Figure 4.

Transmission electron microscopy findings. Increased number of goblet cells and numerous secretory granules were observed in cytoplasm of goblet cells (arrows) in MSCs-treated group after one week of therapy (a). Degenerated goblet cells and decreased secretory granules were observed in cytoplasm of goblet cells (arrows) in PBS group after one week of therapy (b). Microvillus was preserved at apical portions of the corneal epithelium (arrows) of MSCs-treated rats and there was prominent sign of cellular injury at cornea of these rats after one week of therapy (c). Degeneration and loss of microvillus at apical portions of the corneal epithelium and signs of separation of cells from each other were observed in PBS-treated rats (d) (Joel JEM-1400 model, magnification (a), (b): ×8000 and (c), (d): ×12000).