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Updated: May 4, 2026
Trabecular Meshwork Response to Pressure Elevation in the Living Human Eye
Published on: June 20, 2015
Morphological changes and viability of primary cultured human ocular trabecular meshwork cells after exposure to air
Nikolaos Kopsachilis1, Konstantinos T Tsaousis2, Gianluca Carifi1
1Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Purpose:
To investigate the possible toxic effect of air exposure for an in vitro model of primary human ocular trabecular meshwork cells (HTM).
Methods:
HTM were isolated from five donor eyes and cultivated at 37 °C. After reaching confluence the cells were seeded on two well chamber slides. The chamber slides were turned upside down in a Petri culture dish full of culture medium and filled with air using a 5 ml syringe, starting this way the exposure of the cells to the air. Subsequently they were placed in the incubation chamber at 37 °C. Six groups of HTM cultures were set up: group 1 consisted of samples in which HTM were exposed to air for 30 min, group 2 for 1 h, group 3 for 3 h, group 4 for 6 h, group 5 for 12 h and group 6 for 24 h.
Results:
At 3 h after exposure, the morphology of the cells was still intact, at 6 h few cells appeared deformed and exhibited characteristics of more senescent cells. At 12 h after exposure to air the HTM cells started losing their typical morphology and appeared enlarged and compromised. Viability was superior to 94% in groups 1-3 while for groups 4, 5, 6 it was 82.7%, 39.5% and 12.7% respectively.
Conclusion:
The toxic effect of air exposure for the studied in vitro model of HTM is not significant for the time period of one to three hours. However it starts reducing viability and alternating morphology 6 h after exposure until the time period of 24 h, where the percentage of living cells is drastically decreased. Therefore, we suggest that the use of an air bubble especially in glaucomatous patients should be applied with caution.
Insights
Air exposure up to 3 hours shows no significant toxic effect on human trabecular meshwork cells (HTM). However, prolonged exposure beyond 6 hours drastically reduces cell viability and alters morphology, suggesting caution with air bubbles in glaucoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The trabecular meshwork is crucial for maintaining intraocular pressure.
- Understanding cellular responses to environmental stressors is vital for ocular health.
- Air exposure can occur during ophthalmic procedures, potentially affecting ocular tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the toxic effects of air exposure on an in vitro model of primary human trabecular meshwork cells (HTM).
- To determine the time-dependent impact of air exposure on HTM cell morphology and viability.
Main Methods:
- Primary human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells were cultured in vitro.
- Cells were exposed to air for varying durations: 30 minutes, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours.
- Cell morphology and viability were assessed at different time points post-exposure.
Main Results:
- No significant morphological changes or toxicity were observed in HTM cells exposed to air for up to 3 hours.
- At 6 hours, cell deformation and senescence characteristics became apparent.
- Cell viability significantly decreased after 6 hours of air exposure, dropping to 12.7% at 24 hours.
- Morphological alterations, including enlargement and compromise, were evident by 12 hours.
Conclusions:
- Short-term air exposure (1-3 hours) is not significantly toxic to the in vitro HTM model.
- Prolonged air exposure (≥6 hours) induces significant toxicity, reducing cell viability and altering morphology.
- Caution is advised when using air bubbles, particularly in glaucoma patients, due to potential adverse effects on trabecular meshwork cells.
