Polysaccharide coating of human corneal endothelium.

Electron microscopy revealed the presence of a 600-1500 A thick layer of polysaccharide on the surface of human corneal endothelial cells. The surface layer was visualized by combined fixation and staining in a mixture of ruthenium red and osmium tetroxide. The coating material was stable for at least 39 h post mortem and was retained on disintegrating cells.