Detection of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in human tear fluid: preliminary results.

Purpose: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is one of the main regulators of fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate its presence in the human tear fluid of healthy individuals.

Methods: A total of 70 tear fluid samples were collected from eight volunteers prior to and after stimulation of reflex tears with onion vapour.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in normal human corneal epithelium: detection and physiological importance.

Purpose: Corneal neovascularization is a major challenge following chemical burns and corneal inflammation. The factors triggering corneal neovascularization involve various growth factors. In the release and control of these factors the regenerating tissue plays a decisive role.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen colocalization with corneal epithelial stem cells and involvement in physiological cell turnover.

Corneal integrity is dependent on a constant turnover of epithelial cells. According to the current hypothesis essential contributors to this process, the so-called stem-cells, are localized in the limbal area of the cornea. However, histological identification of stem cells of the cornea is thus far not possible.