Immunogold fine structural localization of extracellular matrix components in aged human cornea. II. Collagen types V and VI.

Using immunogold immunocytochemical techniques we studied the distribution of collagen types V and VI in corneal tissue from seven enucleated human eyes (age range, 63-78 years). Results obtained by cryoultramicrotomy were marginally more intense than those obtained using London Resin white (LR white) embedding. Type V collagen was present in the striated collagen fibrils in Bowman's layer, in the stroma and in a thin, non-banded anterior zone of Descemet's membrane.

Immunogold fine structural localization of extracellular matrix components in aged human cornea. I. Types I-IV collagen and laminin.

Using the immunogold technique combined with cryoultramicrotomy and London Resin white (LR white) embedding, we studied the fine structural distribution of types I-IV collagen and laminin in corneal tissue from seven enucleated human eyes (age range, 63-78 years). Type II collagen was not identified in any corneal layer. Type I and type III collagen were distributed in a similar fashion in striated collagen fibrils in Bowman's layer and in the stroma.

Immunogold localization of type IV collagen and laminin in the aging human outflow system.

Tissue from the outflow system of six surgically enucleated aged eyes was used for an ultrastructural immunocytochemical study of the distribution of laminin and type IV collagen. The immunogold technique provided precise localization of laminin beneath lining endothelial cells of the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. Laminin labelling was absent in the trabecular beams.

Immunogold localisation of laminin in normal and exfoliative iris.

Immunoelectron microscopic studies of exfoliative iris tissue (seven specimens) revealed the presence of laminin in the fibrillar component of exfoliation material. The immunogold label was uniformly distributed on the exfoliation fibres. Deposition of laminin labelled exfoliation material in the dilator muscle was a noteworthy feature, as was an apparent depletion of laminin in the basement membranes of ostensibly unaffected vessels.

Ultrastructural distribution of collagen types I-VI in aging human retinal vessels.

Retinal vessels from freshly enucleated human eyes were classified into three stages of the hyalinisation process. The distribution of collagen types I-VI within the vessel walls was studied ultrastructurally by immunogold labelling combined with the tissue preparation techniques of cryoultramicrotomy and London resin white embedding. Collagen types I, III, IV, V, and VI were found in large vessels, types I, IV, and V plus small amounts of III and VI in small vessels, and types I, IV, and V in capillaries.

Immunocytochemical localisation of collagens (I-V) in the human iris.

In this study we investigated the distribution of collagen types I-V in the human iris at the fine-structural level using cryoultramicrotomy and London Resin White plastic embedding. Collagen type I was shown to be present in the basement membrane of iris vessels, in contrast to type III, which was absent; both types I and III were present in the iris stroma. Collagen type IV was a major component of basement membranes of vascular cells, myoepithelial cells, fibroblasts and epithelial cells.

Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma in Greece.

Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma is commonly seen in Greece, however there is little data concerning the prevalence and characteristics of this disorder. Patients undergoing trabeculectomy for open angle glaucoma were investigated both by the appraisal of the case notes and by re-examination. The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma in this population was found to be 87.