[Extracellular glycoproteins of the ocular trabecular zone in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma]

The content of fibronectin, an extracellular glycoprotein, in the drainage out-flow system of human eyes was measured by the indirect immunoperoxidase staining technique. The degree of fibronectin accumulation in ocular tissues was evaluated by quantitative morphometric analysis. Fibronectin level in the ocular drainage system of humans grows with ageing and rapidly increases at different stages of primary open-angle glaucoma development. Increased deposit of fibronectin in trabecular tissue, mainly in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal and juxtacanalicular or cribriform part of trabecular meshwork, was demonstrated. A hypothesis explaining the development of the glaucomatous process by an adhesive impairment is proposed.