[Iridociliary vascularization. Study by intravascular injection of polymer resin]

The authors present an intravascular polymeric resin injection method for scanning electron microscopy of iris and ciliary body vasculature. The resin used is a methyl-methacrylate blend, prepolymerised and monomeric. Injection is done through catheterization of the intracranial ophthalmic artery followed by enucleation. Tissues are removed with sodium hydroxide. The vascular system in this way is dissected and metallized to be studied with the scanning electron microscope. The major arterial circle of the iris was found to be coupled with a "venous circle". There is no anastomosis between the anterior ciliary arteries and the major arterial circle of the iris. The vasculature of the ciliary processes and of the ciliary muscle seem to be independent. Venous blood of the anterior part of the ciliary processes seems to be drained by the venous circle.