The Extracellular Matrix of the Aged Human Trabecular Meshwork: Changes of Glucosaminoglycans

TL;DRAbstract

Glucosaminoglycans play a central role in maintaining the normal functions of the extracellular matrix of the trabecular meshwork of the human eye. Therefore, we evaluated the possible morphological, histo-chemical, and ultrastructural age-related changes in glucosaminoglycans of this important zone of the human eye. Small samples of the trabecular meshwork were drawn from 24 eyes after exitus from young and old humans. The samples were harvested from the same places of the eye, without any aesthetic damage of the face. Samples were divided in three fragments, each used for morphological, histo-chemical, and ultrastructural staining. Quantitative analysis of images was performed to evaluate morphometrical data that were statistically analyzed. Our findings demonstrate the following age-related changes: Glucosaminoglycans of the extracellular matrix of the human trabecular meshwork, therefore, undergo age-related changes, as demonstrated by our morphological, histo-chemical, and ultrast

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