Schlemm's canal endothelia, lymphatic, or blood vasculature?

Renata F. Ramos, James B. Hoying, Marlys H. Witte, W. Daniel Stamer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

67 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the human eye, the final barrier for aqueous humor to cross before returning to systemic circulation is the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. Unfortunately, the specific contribution of the inner wall to total outflow resistance in the conventional pathway is unknown in both normal and glaucomatous eyes. To better understand inner wall physiology, we contrasted it with 2 specialized continuous endothelia, initial lymphatic, and blood capillary endothelia. Specifically, we compare their developmental origin, morphology, junctional complexes, microenvironment, and physiologic responses to different biomechanical factors. Our evaluation concludes that the inner wall of Schlemm's canal is unique, sharing extraordinary characteristics with both types of specialized endothelia in addition to having distinctive features of its own.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)391-405
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Glaucoma
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

Keywords

  • Aqueous humor
  • Capillaries
  • Glaucoma
  • Intraocular pressure
  • Outfiow facility

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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