[Depiction of the structure of the vitreous body in horses without ocular diseases and in horses with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) using transmission electron microscopy].

This study analyzes the ultrastructure of the vitreous body in the eyes of healthy horses and those affected by equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) using transmission electron microscopy. The researchers highlight distinct differences in the vitreous body samples between the two sets of horses, which could help in understanding the pathophysiology of ERU.

Study Overview

• The paper is a veterinary study focusing on the ultrastructure of the vitreous body in horses, a gel-like substance filling the space between the lens and the retina of the eye, which had not been described in detail before.
• This research further investigates the potential pathological changes occurring in much the vitreous body of horses suffering from a common ocular disease known as equine recurrent uveitis (ERU).

Methodology

• Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine and compare the cellular ultrastructure of vitreous body samples from healthy horses and horses with ERU.
• Total of 48 vitreous body samples were gathered, 10 samples came from 5 healthy horses and 38 from horses with ERU.

Findings

• The study found that the vitreous body samples of horses without any ocular diseases showed a loose network of unbranched fibrils, each approximately 10-12 nm wide.
• In contrast, the samples from horses suffering from ERU demonstrated several abnormalities, including numerous dense bundles of fibrils, an increase of mononuclear inflammatory cells and necrotic cells.
• These alterations were found to likely represent the breakdown of the vitreous fibrillar network, signally the destructive effect of ERU on the vital structures of the eye.

Significance

• This study, being the first of its kind, contributes significantly to the understanding of the vitreous body’s ultrastructure in horses, as well as the structural changes linked with ERU.
• These findings provide a basis for further study on the role of the vitreous body in the pathogenesis of ERU and may support the development of novel therapeutic approaches towards its treatment.