Distribution Changes of Epithelial Dendritic Cells in Canine Cornea and Mucous Membranes Related to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Background/Aim: Dendritic cells (DCs) are important immune mediators following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We screened for DC frequency in the cornea and oral mucous membranes after HSCT by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in a canine model. Materials and Methods: In vivo CLSM images of the epithelia were taken the day before and on days 28, 56 and 112 following HSCT. Peripheral blood counts and chimerism were determined. Results: An increase of DCs after HSCT was detected in each animal in both investigated tissue types. Highest DC numbers in the flew and the gingiva were detected on day 28 and in the corneal epithelium on day 56 after HSCT, respectively. Conclusion: Changes of DCs in ocular and non-ocular mucous membranes can be monitored by CLSM in vivo. The DC frequency in the cornea and mucosa changes following HSCT. DC recovery is rapid and their numbers correlate with the development of chimerism of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.