Distribution of the Glycosaminoglycans in the Bruch`s Membrane and Sensory Retina : Histochemical Electromic roscopic Findings with Ruthenium Red

ABSTRACT

The distribution of glycosaminoglycans in Bruch`s membrane and sensory retina of human eye was evaluated with histochemical electron microscope using 0.05%ruthenium red (RR). Seven donated or enucleated eyeballs without chorioretinal disease were used.Electron-dense RR reactive materials were identified as fine discrete granules along the basement membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium, in the inner and outer collagen layer and central elastic layer of Bruch 's membrane, and in the interphotorecep- tor matrix. In addition, they were observed at the cytoplasmic wall of photoreceptor cells, their intercellular spaces, and the internal limiting membrane. These results demonstrated that GAGs are widely distributed within the interphotoreceptor matrix, Bruch`s membrane, and intercellular spaces of retinal neurons. They are considered to function as a mechanical supporter as well as a selective filtration barrier through which the metabolitespass.