Related Experiment Videos
Trabecular meshwork recovery after phagocytic challenge.
D H Johnson1, T M Richardson, D L Epstein
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Current Eye Research
|November 1, 1989
Summary
The trabecular meshwork actively phagocytoses foreign particles, with zymosan causing temporary cell loss and inflammation. However, the meshwork demonstrates resilience, with cell numbers recovering over time.
Area of Science:
- Ocular Biology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The trabecular meshwork (TM) is crucial for maintaining intraocular pressure.
- Understanding TM's response to foreign material is vital for glaucoma research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short- and long-term effects of phagocytic challenges on the TM.
- To compare the TM's response to different types of foreign particles.
Main Methods:
- Adult cats received intraocular injections of zymosan, blood, or latex microspheres in one eye, with the fellow eye serving as control.
- Eyes were histologically examined at intervals from 1 day to 5 months post-infusion.
- Trabecular cellularity was quantified following blood and zymosan infusions.
Main Results:
- All tested agents induced active trabecular cell phagocytosis and shape changes.
- Zymosan triggered significant inflammation and a temporary 15% loss of trabecular cells.
- Latex microspheres and blood caused less disruption, with no observed cell loss after blood infusion.
- Trabecular meshwork structure and cell numbers recovered by 150 days post-infusion.
Conclusions:
- The trabecular meshwork exhibits phagocytic activity and can recover from inflammatory insults.
- Zymosan-induced inflammation and phagocytosis can lead to transient trabecular cell loss.
- The TM demonstrates remarkable regenerative capacity following exposure to foreign particles.