[Extracellular matrix of the human retrobulbar optic nerve]

The presence and distribution of laminin, fibronectin and type I through V collagens were determined in the human retrobulbar optic nerve using a immunohistochemical method, the biotin-streptavidin (B-SA) system. Type I and type III collagens, which were interstitial collagens, were detected diffusely within pial septa, pia mater, arachnoid membrane, dura mater and adventitia around the central retinal artery and vein. Type IV collagen and laminin, which were basement membrane materials, were localized linearly along the borders between optic nerve fascicles and pial septa, adventitia, pia mater. Also They were also stained in all vascular walls and the arachnoid membrane. Type V collagen and fibronectin were detected both in the interstitial connective tissues, diffusely, and in the basement membranes, linearly. Fibronectin was stained more intensively in the basement membranes than type V collagen.