[Age-related changes in fibronectin of the eye outflow drainage system]

The content of the fibronectin, an extracellular glycoprotein in the drainage outflow system of human eyes was determined by the indirect immunoperoxidase staining technique. The degree of fibronectin accumulation in ocular tissues was evaluated by quantitative morphometric analysis. It was shown that the fibronectin level was elevated in ageing. Increased deposit of fibronectin in trabecular tissues, mainly, in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal and juxta-canalicular zone was demonstrated along with ageing. Comparison of fibronectin accumulation in glaucoma and ageing support the idea that ageing is a risk factor of glaucoma.