Fig. 2. MSCs reduce mucosal damage in a lamotrigine-induced SJS/TEN mouse model. (A) Ocular findings were obtained using an operating microscope. The corneal opacity grade is increased in group 5. (B) Hematoxylin and eosin staining. The shape of the limbus is distorted in group 5; however, mice receiving MSCs (group 4) show a normal limbus. (C) PAS staining. The proportion of PAS-positive cells (dark purple color) observed in group 4 is shown. (D) Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. (E) Immunohistochemical granzyme B staining. The entire inner side of the cornea is stained positively (dark brown) for granzyme B. Group 1: untreated control; Group 2: PBMCs-only; Group 3: lamotrigine-only; Group 4: Model mice (PBMCs + lamotrigine) treated with MSCs; Group 5: Model mice (PBMCs + lamotrigine) without MSC treatment.

PBMCs = peripheral blood mononuclear cells, MSCs = mesenchymal stem cells, SJS/TEN = Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, PAS = Periodic acid-Schiff.