Extracellular matrix changes of the optic nerve lamina cribrosa in monkey eyes with experimentally chronic glaucoma

• DOI: 10.1007/bf00175926
• Publication Date: 2004-08-21T18:18:23Z
• Authors: Takeo Fukuchi; Shoichi Sawaguchi; Hiroaki Hara; Motohiro Shirakashi; Kazuo Iwata
• Keywords: Fundus Oculi; Optic Disk; Glaucoma; Elastin; Extracellular Matrix; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Disease Models, Animal; Macaca fascicularis; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Chronic Disease; Animals; Collagen; Laminin; Laser Therapy; Intraocular Pressure

Using light microscopic immunohistochemistry, we studied the immunolocalization and immunoreactivity of the extracellular matrix, including collagen types III, IV, VI, laminin, and alpha elastin in the lamina cribrosa of monkey eyes with normal and experimentally chronic glaucoma. Our results showed: (1) abnormal linearlike immunodeposits of both collagen type IV and laminin in the margin of the lamina cribrosa with significant density in the glaucomatous eyes; (2) the immunoreactivity of collagen type III resembled that of the normal eye, but was slightly stronger at the laminar surface; (3) findings with collagen type VI resembled those of type III with an enhanced linearlike staining surrounding the nerve-fiber bundles. Furthermore, staining of alpha elastin demonstrated dramatic changes in both reactivity and localization. The lamina cribrosa of glaucomatous eyes showed a markedly reduced immunoreactivity as well as an irregular, interrupted pattern. These observations suggest that the changes might be a secondary to the long-standing elevation of intraocular pressure. The alteration of these macromolecules may modify the course of glaucomatous optic damage.