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Age-related depletion of the cell population in the human trabecular meshwork
1Pathology Department, Institute of Ophthalmology, London.
Abstract:
The number of cells in the human trabecular meshwork was assessed for counting meshwork cell nuclei in semithin Araldite sections cut in the meridonal plane. The counts of nuclei decreased with increasing age and the decrease was associated with all regions of the meshwork. The appropriate regression equation and a mean length for meshwork nuclei was used to estimate cell numbers. At 20 years of age the estimated cell number for the whole meshwork was 763,000 which decreased to 403,000 cells by 80 years with a loss rate of 6,000 cells per year.
Insights
Human trabecular meshwork cell counts decline significantly with age. Cell numbers decrease by approximately 6,000 annually, impacting all meshwork regions.
Area of Science:
- Ocular Anatomy
- Aging Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The human trabecular meshwork (TM) is crucial for aqueous humor outflow.
- Understanding TM cellularity changes with age is vital for glaucoma research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the age-related decline in trabecular meshwork cell numbers.
- To establish a quantitative relationship between age and TM cellularity.
Main Methods:
- Semithin Araldite sections of human trabecular meshwork were prepared in the meridional plane.
- Meshwork cell nuclei were counted to estimate cell numbers.
- Regression analysis was used to model the age-related decrease in cell count.
Main Results:
- Trabecular meshwork cell counts significantly decreased with increasing age.
- This age-associated decrease was observed across all regions of the meshwork.
- Estimated cell numbers declined from 763,000 at age 20 to 403,000 at age 80.
- The rate of cell loss was estimated at 6,000 cells per year.
Conclusions:
- Human trabecular meshwork cellularity diminishes progressively throughout adulthood.
- Age-related TM cell loss may have implications for intraocular pressure regulation and glaucoma development.