Measurements of Phagocytosis in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

The restriction in the movement of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of glaucomas. Among the functions of the trabecular meshwork that help to prevent this restriction and maintain the movement of aqueous humor is phagocytosis. Cells in the trabecular meshwork actively phagocytose pigment, cellular debris, and other materials in order to help keep the drainage pathway clear. A decrease in phagocytosis has thus been implicated in the development of glaucomas. In this chapter, we outline two methods using fluorescent markers that can be used to measure the phagocytic properties of trabecular meshwork cells in culture.