Eur J Anat, 5 (2): 83-87 (2001)

Ultrastructural changes of the extracellular matrix of the trabecular meshwork with age

Potau J.M., Canals M., Costa J., Merindano M.D., Ruano D.

Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

ABSTRACT The morphology of the extracellular matrix was studied in a series of human trabecular meshworks obtained from specimens of different ages without any known ocular pathology. Our aim was to identify ultrastructural changes related to an increase in intraocular pressure with aging. 24 trabecular meshworks obtained from individuals with ages ranging from 23 to 99 were specifically prepared for subsequent transmission electron microscopic observation using standard techniques. Our results show that the extracellular matrix of the trabecular beams undergoes progressive changes with increasing age in all its components (collagen fibres, elastin-like plaques and basal membrane). These changes may be related to an increase in intraocular pressure since they can alter the aqueous outflow from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal and can interfere with the drainage, facilitating mechanism of the ciliary muscle.

Keywords: adult, aged, aging, anterior eye chamber, aqueous humor flow, aqueous humor outflow, article, cell ultrastructure, ciliary muscle, clinical article, collagen metabolism, extracellular matrix, human, intraocular pressure, Schlemm canal, trabecular meshwork, transmission electron microscopy, visual system examination