Fig. 3

(top) Comparison of goblet cell density (GCD) among the four groups. Significant differences were noted between the control and 3-min PI group, the control and 10-min PI group, the 1-min and 3-min PI group, the 1-min and 10-min PI group, and the 3-min and 10-min PI group on day 3 and 7. Data are the means ± SDs (error bars). Day 0 indicates the day immediately after PI instillation. * p < 0.05 (Tukey–Kramer test for the differences among the four groups). (middle) Representative images obtained on histological examination of conjunctiva on day 7. a In the control group, the conjunctiva is composed of a single cuboidal basal cell layer and three-to-four layers of epithelial cells, with numerous interspersed goblet cells. b In the 1-min PI group, the conjunctival epithelium and goblet cell density are almost normal. c In the 3-min PI group, the conjunctival epithelium is thinner and the cuboidal basal cell layer is lost. The extent of the area stained by periodic acid-Schiff is reduced. d In the 10-min PI group, the conjunctival epithelium is even thinner and goblet cell numbers are decreased markedly. (Bar: 20 μm). (bottom) Representative images obtained on immunofluorescence staining of the conjunctiva on day 7. MUC5AC staining (red) was performed, and Hoechst 33342 was used for nuclear counterstaining (blue). e Many control group cells were detected in the anti-MUC5AC antibody conjunctiva stain. f Many cells also stained in the 1-min PI group. g The number of goblet cells stained by the anti-MUC5AC antibody decreased in the 3-min PI group. f No MUC5AC-positive cells are observed in the 10-min PI group. (Bar: 20 μm)