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Corneal superficial unwettable defect. II. Electron microscopic study
Abstract:
Corneal biopsy specimens of 6 patients with this particular affection were studies with the electron microscope. In addition to the routine electron microscopic methods, staining with ruthenium red was performed on one excised specimen. Marked changes were found in the region of Bowman's membrane, which was altered either superficially or in its total width. Its collagen fibrils became rough and intensively electron-dense, forming a granular or structureless trabecular meshwork. Intertrabecular spaces were filled with special electron-lucent material, which also formed a continuous layer on the surface of the altered Bowman's membrane. Filamentous structures resembling fingerprints were observed in certain areas of these spaces; and after staining with ruthenium red, numerob granules were also visible. Both these structures are considered by the author to be acid mucopolysaccharides. There is further discussed on the correlation of these findings with previous histochemical findings; the author gives special attention to the question whether waxy substances-eye ointment bases-could have been deposited in the pathologically altered Bowman's membrane.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed significant alterations in Bowman's membrane in corneal affections. Acid mucopolysaccharides were identified, and potential deposition of eye ointment bases was investigated.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Electron Microscopy
- Histochemistry
Background:
- Bowman's membrane is a critical anterior corneal layer.
- Pathological changes in Bowman's membrane can lead to vision impairment.
- Understanding the ultrastructure of corneal affections is vital for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in Bowman's membrane in a specific corneal affection using electron microscopy.
- To identify the composition of deposits within the altered Bowman's membrane.
- To correlate electron microscopic findings with potential exogenous substances, such as eye ointment bases.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was performed on corneal biopsy specimens from 6 patients.
- Ruthenium red staining was utilized to highlight specific ultrastructural components.
- Standard electron microscopic techniques were applied for detailed morphological analysis.
Main Results:
- Marked alterations were observed in Bowman's membrane, affecting its superficial layers and total width.
- Collagen fibrils appeared rough and electron-dense, forming a granular or structureless meshwork.
- Electron-lucent material and filamentous structures, identified as acid mucopolysaccharides, filled intertrabecular spaces and coated the membrane surface.
Conclusions:
- The study identified significant ultrastructural changes in Bowman's membrane, characterized by alterations in collagen fibrils and the presence of acid mucopolysaccharides.
- The findings suggest a potential role for these substances in the pathogenesis of the observed corneal affection.
- The possibility of exogenous deposition, specifically eye ointment bases, within the pathologically altered Bowman's membrane warrants further investigation.