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Abstract #6617 Published in IGR 4-1
Ultrastructural changes of the extracellular matrix of the trabecular meshwork with age
Potau JM; Canals M; Costa J; Merindano MD; Ruano DEuropean Journal of Anatomy 2001; 5: 83-87
The morphology of the extracellular matrix was studied in a series of human trabecular meshworks obtained from specimens of different ages without any known ocular pathology. The aim was to identify ultrastructural changes related to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) with aging. Twenty-four trabecular meshworks obtained from individuals with ages ranging from 23-99 years were specifically prepared for subsequent transmission electron microscopic observation using standard techniques. The results show that the extracellular matrix of the trabecular beams undergoes progressive changes with increasing age in all its components (collagen fibers, elastin-like plaques and basal membrane). These changes may be related to an increase in IOP since they can alter the aqueous outflow from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal and can interfere with the drainage, facilitating mechanism of the ciliary muscle.
Dr. J.M. Potau, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. jpotau@med.ub.es
Classification:
2.5 Meshwork (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
3.2 Electron microscopy (Part of: 3 Laboratory methods)