Special Senses System

Eye, Cornea - Metaplasia, Goblet Cell

Narrative
Comment:
Goblet cells are normally present in the conjunctival epithelium, but when they appear in the corneal epithelium, it is recognized as a metaplasitic change (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Such so-called conjunctivalization of the corneal epithelium is considered a secondary reactive change, often associated with corneal neovascularization and/or inflammation from various causes.
Recommendations:
Corneal goblet cell metaplasia should be diagnosed and assigned a severity grade whenever present. It is generally reactive and secondary to other pathologic processes, but it’s unusual nature necessitates its diagnosis. When present, inflammation should be diagnosed separately.
References:

Geiss V, Yoshitomi K. 1991. Eyes. In: Pathology of the Mouse: Reference and Atlas (Maronpot RR, Boorman GA, Gaul BW, eds). Cache River Press, Vienna, IL, 471-489.

Abstract: http://www.cacheriverpress.com/books/pathmouse.htm

Greaves P. 2007. Nervous system and special sense organs. In: Histopathology of Preclinical Toxicity Studies: Interpretation and Relevance in Drug Safety Evaluation, 3rd ed. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 861-933.

Abstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780444527714

Joussen AM, Poulaki, V, Mitisiades N, Stechschulte SU, Kirchof B, Dartt DA, Fong G-H, Rudge J, Wiegans SJ, Yancopoulos GD, Adamis AP. 2003. VEGF-dependent conjunctivalization of the corneal surface. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 44:117-123.

Full Text: https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.01-1277

Maurer JK, Parker RD. 1996. Light microscopic comparison of surfactant-induced eye irritation in rabbits and rats at three hours and recovery/day 35. Toxicol Pathol 24:403-411.

Abstract: http://tpx.sagepub.com/content/24/4/403.short

National Toxicology Program. 1992. NTP TR-410. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Naphthalene (CAS No. 91-20-3) in B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/7700
  • Image of cornea metaplasia, goblet cell in the eye from a female B6C3F1 mouse in a chronic study

    Eye, Cornea - Metaplasia, Goblet cell in a female B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. There are clusters of cells similar to normal conjunctival goblet cells in the corneal epithelium (arrow).

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Eye, Cornea - Metaplasia, Goblet cell in a female B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. There are clusters of cells similar to normal conjunctival goblet cells in the corneal epithelium (arrow).
Eye, Cornea - Metaplasia, Goblet cell in a female B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. There are clusters of cells similar to normal conjunctival goblet cells in the corneal epithelium (arrow).
Eye, Cornea - Metaplasia, Goblet cell in a female B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). There are large goblet cells within the corneal epithelium (arrow).
Eye, Cornea - Metaplasia, Goblet cell in a female B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). There are large goblet cells within the corneal epithelium (arrow).

Author

Margarita M. Gruebbel, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Ruth E. Hurley, DVM, PHD, DACVP
Senior Veterinary Pathologist
Huntingdon Life Sciences
North Brunswick, NJ

Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC