Goblet cell density and distribution in cats with clinically and histologically normal conjunctiva

Abstract

Objective To evaluate goblet cell density (GCD) and distribution in cats without clinical evidence of ocular surface disease and without histologic evidence of conjunctival disease. Animals studied Fourteen domestic-shorthair cats euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study. Procedures Before euthanasia, cats were verified using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein staining to be free of eyelid or ocular surface abnormalities. Immediately after euthanasia, bilateral conjunctival specimens including third eyelid (TEL) were collected, routinely processed, stained with Periodic acid-Schiff and hematoxylin and eosin. Thirteen conjunctival regions were identified. For each region, GCD was expressed as percentage of goblet cells/200 basal epithelial cells. Results Mean GCD ranged widely by region: anterior face of the TEL = 48.8%, fornicial regions = 47.0%, palpebral regions = 38.5%, bulbar regions = 19.6%, and posterior face of the TEL = 12.6%. The anterior surface of the TEL had significantly higher GCD than did the bulbar and the palpebral regions but not the fornicial regions. Bulbar conjunctiva had significantly lower GCD than did all other conjunctival regions except the posterior surface of the TEL. No significant difference was noted between GCD of male versus female cats, dorsal versus ventral regions or lateral versus medial regions. Conclusions Although conjunctival GCD ranged widely by region, the anterior surface of the TEL appears to be an excellent location for assessing conjunctival goblet cells in cats since this area has high GCD and is more readily accessible than are the palpebral, fornicial, or bulbar conjunctiva.

Ultrastructural morphology of goblet cells of the conjunctiva of dogs

“…The concentration of goblet cells was higher on the inner face of the third eyelid, as previously described . In histological sections, the goblet cells were strongly stained by both SPA and alcian blue, as previously reported, confirming the presence of mucus composed of neutral glycosylated substances (Figure A) and acids (Figure B) in the cells.…”

“…In the eyelid and bulbar conjunctiva, these cells are responsible for producing mucus, the main component of which is a gel‐forming mucin, MUC5AC . The mucus generates a hydrophilic layer on the corneal surface forming a biofilm that facilitates the uniform propagation of the aqueous tear layer, avoiding dryness and bacterial contamination of the ocular surface, and protecting against environmental agents and different pathogens …”

“…Electron microscopy techniques are valuable for analyzing cellular components, including the cytoskeleton, membranes, and organelles, as well as structures specialized in differentiated cells, such as microvilli . Various studies have used light microscopy to describe the density and conjunctival distribution of goblet cells in humans and animals, such as dogs, rats, nonhuman primates, horses, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, and cats …”

Pilot Study of the Safety and Tolerability of a Subconjunctival Penciclovir Implant in Cats Experimentally Infected with Herpesvirus

“…5C, D). 43 For cats with blank implants, GCD was below the reference range for 6 eyes (4 cats), and above the reference range for 2 eyes (2 cats). 43 For cats with penciclovir implants, GCD was below the reference range for 6 eyes (6 cats), and above the reference range for 1 eye (1 cat).…”

“…The conjunctiva was closed using 6-0 polyglactin in a simple continuous pattern. Median (range) surgical time for both eyes was 35 (30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45) min. Neomycin-polymyxinbacitracin ophthalmic ointment was placed in both eyes twice daily for 5-6 days following implant placement.…”