[Ultrastructural characteristics of glaucomatous trabecular meshwork].

PURPOSE

To compare the normal and glaucomatous trabecular meshwork ultrastructure and to relate the observed changes with the intraocular pressure increase characteristic of the primary open angle glaucoma.

METHODS

21 non glaucomatous trabecular meshworks, aged 23 to 99 years, and 5 from patients diagnosed of primary open angle glaucoma, aged 40 to 65 years, were fixed by Karnovsky's solution and processed and observed by transmission electron microscopy and their morphological characteristics were qualitatively compared.

RESULTS

Ultrastructural changes of glaucomatous trabecular meshworks are similar, but much more intense, than those observed in the aged normal trabecular meshworks. These changes are loss of endothelial cells, thickening of basal membranes and trabecular beam central nucleus changes such as an increase of electrodense plaques and collagen degenerative processes.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrastructural changes observed in glaucomatous trabecular meshworks are comparable to an early aging of them. These changes can be related with the mechanisms that increase the intraocular pressure in primary open-angle glaucoma.