Configuration And Function Study Of The Outer Wall Of Schlemm's Canal In Human Eye

Objective To observe the configuration of the outer wall of Schlemm's canal and the deep scleral tissue comparatively, and to study the function of the outer wall of Schlemm's canal. Methods Hematoxylin and eosin stain(H&E), immunohistochemistry and Verhoeff's elastica stain were used to investigate the outer wall of Schlemm's canal and the deep scleral tissue in 11 open-angle glaucoma patients. Results The size and arrangement of collagen fibrils in the outer walls of Schlemm's canal were different from those in deep sclera tissues. The outer walls of Schlemm's canal and the deep sclera tissues both contained types â… , â…¢, V and VI collagen, but no positive staining of type IV collagen in them. There was a large amount of elastic fibers in the outer walls of Schlemm's canal, while little in the deep sclera tissues. Conclusion (1) The divergence between the two anatomic parts exhibits the difference in tissue properties. The outer wall of Schlemm's canal possesses greater creep-resistant properties and mechanical compliance which are important to prevent Schlemm's canal from collapsing. (2) Types â… ,â…¢,â…¤,â…¥ collagen are all present in the outer wall of Schlemm's canal and deep scleral tissue. Types â…  and â…¢ provide the tissue with tensile and extensile strength. Type V collagen has an anchoring function between basement membranes and the adjacent stromal matrix. There was devoid of stain for type IV collagen in the outer wall of Schlemm's canal and deep scleral tissue . (3) Elastic fibers in the outer wall of Schlemm's canal were abundant and appeared in blotchy pattern. It shows a tendency towards restoration with the fluctuation of intraocular pressure.Postgraduate: He Chunmei (Ophthalmology) Directed by: Prof. Wang Jinghua...