What is the FIRST step of corneal epithelial wound healing?

The initial step in the healing process of a corneal epithelial wound is characterized by the inhibition of basal cell mitosis. When a wound occurs, the primary response involves the disruption of the epithelial layer, which leads to a cascade of cellular events aimed at restoring integrity. In the first phases of healing, the epithelial cells at the edge of the wound migrate to cover the defect. Interestingly, before this migration is effectively initiated, there is a temporary halt in basal cell mitosis.

This cessation allows for the immediate response of the cells at the wound edge to move and cover the exposed area, which is crucial for protecting underlying structures and preventing further injury or infection. Once the surface is covered, mitosis and other repair processes can proceed to restore the epithelial layer in a more comprehensive way. Therefore, understanding that initial inhibition sets the stage for efficient healing is key to grasping the corneal wound healing sequence.