Imaging Method of Conjunctival Goblet Cells
Imaging Method of Conjunctival Goblet Cells
  • reporter Park Jee-won
  • 승인 2019.12.05 12:41
  • 댓글 0
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▲Prof. Kim Ki-hean (ME)
▲Prof. Kim Ki-hean (ME)

 

Goblet cells are epithelial cells that secrete mucins onto the ocular surface to maintain the wet environment for protection with tear. Goblet cells are closely related to autoimmune diseases including dry eyes and chemical burns. 
Professor Kim Ki-hean (ME) and his research team successfully developed a non-invasive imaging technology of conjunctival goblet cells with high definition. In an effort of developing a better non-invasive assessment method, the research team has been studying a fluorescence imaging technique using fluoroquinolone antibiotic eye drops as the cell labeling agent. As a result, the research team found that moxifloxacin, one of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, displayed strong fluorescence in goblet cells on the surface of the conjunctiva. The moxifloxacin-based fluorescence imaging of conjunctival goblet cells was tested in a mouse model. Moxifloxacin was topically administrated onto  mouse eyes and the conjunctiva was examined under the confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) in one to two minutes of administration. CFM imaging was conducted together with CRM, and the imaged tissue was processed for histology. CFM imaging of conjunctival goblet cells was confirmed, and the CFM images visualized goblet cells in high contrast in comparison with the CRM images. Real-time CFM imaging at 10 frames per second was demonstrated. This newly developed high-contrast conjunctival goblet cell imaging is the world’s first of its kind via moxifloxacin labeling. The new method can be clinically compatible by using the FDA approved antibiotic eye drop.