Biochemical investigation of cells from keratoconus and normal cornea.

Collagen is the major structural protein in the cornea. In keratoconus the central cornea is thin, opaque and weak. Collagen synthesis was investigated in cells derived from the stroma of cornea with keratoconus and from controls. No difference was found in the ratio of collagens type I and type III synthesized, which were investigated as procollagens and after conversion to collagen as well. The alpha 1/alpha 2 ratio in type I collagen was similar in keratoconus cells and controls.