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Deep tissue analysis of distal aqueous drainage structures and contractile features
Jose M Gonzalez1, Minhee K Ko1, Young-Kwon Hong2
1Doheny Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Scientific Reports
|December 8, 2017
Summary
The distal aqueous drainage tract has a wall structure similar to blood vessels, suggesting it can contract to regulate intraocular pressure and improve glaucoma surgery outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Glaucoma Research
Background:
- Outflow resistance in the distal aqueous drainage tract (DT) influences intraocular pressure and glaucoma surgery success.
- The mechanisms modulating this distal resistance remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structure and potential contractility of the DT in vivo and ex vivo.
- To differentiate the DT from blood and lymphatic vessels.
- To investigate the DT's role in regulating intraocular pressure.
Main Methods:
- Multimodal 2-photon deep tissue imaging and 3D analysis in transgenic mice.
- In vivo and ex vivo imaging techniques.
- Immunohistochemical analysis for specific cellular markers (Prox1, CD31, LYVE-1, F-actin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, caldesmon, calponin).
Main Results:
- The DT lumen was identified and traced back to Schlemm's canal.
- DT endothelium exhibited a distinct molecular signature (Prox1+, CD31+, LYVE-1-) compared to blood and lymphatic vessels.
- DT walls contained filamentous actin and smooth muscle markers, indicating a contractile capacity.
Conclusions:
- The distal aqueous drainage tract possesses a wall organization analogous to blood vessels.
- This structure suggests the DT can contract, dynamically altering its caliber and resistance.
- This contractile capability may play a significant role in regulating intraocular pressure and enhancing glaucoma surgery efficacy.
