During severe hypoxia, which layer of the cornea is capable of storing glycogen?

The epithelial layer of the cornea is capable of storing glycogen, which is important during periods of severe hypoxia. Under normal physiological conditions, the corneal epithelium relies primarily on aerobic metabolism for energy, utilizing glucose derived from tears and the underlying stroma. However, during instances of hypoxia—when oxygen levels are significantly reduced—the epithelial cells can switch to anaerobic metabolism, which leads to the accumulation of glycogen.

This stored glycogen serves as a crucial energy reserve that the epithelial cells can utilize during times when oxygen is limited, thereby providing necessary ATP to maintain their function and integrity. This ability to store glycogen is particularly important in the corneal epithelium, given its role as a barrier and its high turnover rate.

In contrast, the other layers of the cornea do not have this glycogen-storing capability. The endothelial layer, while critical for maintaining corneal hydration and transparency, does not store glycogen. Descemet's membrane acts primarily as a basement membrane for the endothelium and has a structural role rather than a metabolic function. The stroma, being the thickest layer of the cornea composed mainly of collagen and keratocytes, does not store glycogen in the same