Histology and histochemistry of the normal superficial corneal epithelium of rabbit.

The superficial epithelial cells of normal cornea are in a process of gradual metabolic shutdown. Nuclear DNA may be depolymerized. Loss of DNA also occurs by extrusion in small quantities into the cytoplasm. There is a small quantity of RNA in these cells. The cytoplasm shows the presence of some vicglycols. The superficial corneal epithelial cells do not keratinize.