Numerical solution of ocular fluid dynamics in a rabbit eye: parametric effects.

Numerical calculations of the aqueous humor dynamics in the anterior chamber of a rabbit's eye are presented to delineate the basic flow mechanisms. The calculations are based on a geometrical model of the eye, which represents the Trabecular meshwork (TM) as a multilayered porous zone of specified pore sizes and void fraction. The outer surface of the cornea is assumed to be at a fixed temperature (corresponding to the ambient temperature), while the iris surface is assumed to be at the core body temperature. Results are obtained for both the horizontal upward-facing orientation of the eye, and the vertical orientation of the eye. Parameters varied include: the temperature difference between the iris and the cornea to underscore the important role of buoyancy in driving the aqueous humor flow; and, the pupil size reflecting different levels of ambient light. Buoyancy is observed to be the dominant driving mechanism for the convective motion in both orientations of the eye. Variations in the pupil size appear to have little influence on the IOP or flow distribution in view of the dominant role of buoyancy in controlling the flow motion. The study provides distributions of the shear stress and flow patterns and delineates the important role of the eye-orientation on these results.

Distribution of thrombospondin-4 in the bovine eye.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution of thrombospondin-4 (TSP-4) in the bovine eye. METHODS: Anterior and posterior segments of the bovine eyes were sectioned and stained by the indirect immunofluorescence method with an anti-TSP-4 antibody. The tissues were analyzed by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine where the TSP-4 mRNA is produced. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining for TSP-4 indicated the presence of TSP-4 in the cornea (epithelium, basement membrane, and keratocytes), conjunctiva (epithelium and stroma), aqueous ducts, sclera, iris (stroma), ciliary processes and muscle, trabecular meshwork, Bruch's membrane, retina, lamina cribrosa, and optic nerve, and in all blood vessel walls. TSP-4 mRNA was expressed by the cells in all structures. CONCLUSIONS: TSP-4 is widely distributed in the bovine eye where it may play a role in the functions of basement membranes in various tissues. It is abundant in the trabecular and uveo-scleral pathways and may play a role in the regulation of aqueous outflow resistance.

Effect of simultaneous CGRP and PGF(2alpha) on the outflow facility in the rabbit eye.

Both calcitonin gene-related peptide and prostaglandins have an influence on the intraocular pressure in the eye. In this study, the effects of low intracameral doses (20 ng and 50 ng) of calcitonin gene-related peptide, prostaglandin F(2alpha), and simultaneous dosing of both, on the outflow facility were studied in the rabbit. Calcitonin gene-related peptide increased the outflow facility at both 20 and 50 ng doses, while prostaglandin F(2alpha) increased it only at a 50 ng dose. Further, simultaneous administration of both at 50 ng doses increased the outflow facility and showed a slight additive effect with these two compounds. The results further indicate that these compounds have a different mechanism of action. Calcitonin gene-related peptide seems to increase the conventional outflow (trabecular outflow), while prostaglandin F(2alpha) tends to increase the unconventional outflow (uveoscleral outflow).

Fine structure of sensory nerves in the rat cornea: an experimental nerve degeneration study.

Fine structure of nerve fibres and terminals in the rat cornea was studied after fixation with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide or with potassium permanganate. Superior cervical and/or ciliary ganglionectomy as well as ophthalmic neurotomy were performed in order to verify the origin of the corneal nerves. In the control corneas axon profiles with granular vesicles were observed in the stroma. Other axons containing agranular vesicles were found both in the stroma and in the epithelium. Superior cervical ganglionectomy abolished only the axons containing granular vesicles but did not affect the corneal blink reflex. Ciliary ganglionectomy induced more conspicuous changes in both stromal and intraepithelial axon profiles. The corneal reflex was, however, normal. Some of the axons containing agranular vesicles also showed degenerative changes. However, intact axon profiles with agranular vesicles were seen even after extirpation of both the ciliary ganglion and the superior cervical ganglion (combined autonomic ganglionectomy). On the other hand, all axon profiles with agranular vesicles disappeared after coagulation of the ophthalmic and maxillary nerves (sensory denervation). This operation destroyed most of the axons in all parts of the cornea and abolished the blink reflex. It is concluded that the axon profiles in the corneal epithelium, containing agranular vesicles, are sensory axons of the trigeminal nerve. A possible role of the vesicles in sensory nerves is discussed.