Immunohistochemistry of the extracellular matrix of the normal equine lamina cribrosa.
Abstract: Purpose To use immunohistochemical techniques to identify and localize the structural macromolecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the normal adult equine lamina cribrosa in order to make comparisons to the extracellular matrix of the lamina cribrosa of horses with glaucoma. METHODS: Normal eyes of five adult horses between 5 and 10 years of age were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. Polyclonal rabbit-derived antibodies against human elastin, laminin, fibrillin-1, and collagen types I, III and IV, and polyclonal goat-derived antibodies against collagen type VI were used as primary antibodies. Transverse and longitudinal histologic sections of the optic nerve head and lamina cribrosa were stained using several dilutions of the primary antibodies, biotinylated link antibody, horseradish peroxidase-labeled streptavidin, and 3,3'-diaminobenzidine as a chromogen. The immunohistochemical staining patterns were qualitatively interpreted. RESULTS: The normal adult horse lamina cribrosa labeled positively for collagen types I, III and VI, laminin, elastin and fibrillin. Collagen type VI staining of the laminar ECM was most intense, followed by labeling for collagen types III and I, respectively. Laminar blood vessels were weakly positive for laminin and slightly positive for type IV collagen. The scleral ECM of the laminar insertion zone had more intense labeling for collagen types I and VI than did the laminar plates. CONCLUSIONS: The extracellular matrix of the laminar plates of the adult equine lamina cribrosa is similar to the dog as it consists of elastic and collagen fibers (with collagen types VI, III and I). Both the normal dog and horse lamina display more intense staining of collagen type VI than is found in the ECM of the normal human lamina cribrosa. The macromolecular structure of the equine lamina cribrosa suggests that it is a very resilient structure that may provide some protection to the optic nerve axons during episodes of elevated intraocular pressure.
Publication Date: 2001-06-09 PubMed ID: 11397294DOI: 10.1046/j.1463-5224.2000.00127.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research aims to identify and locate the structural molecules within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of a healthy adult horse’s lamina cribrosa – a structural part of the eye. By examining these details, the researchers hope to find comparison points to horses suffering from glaucoma. The study found the lamina cribrosa in a regular horse contained collagen, laminin, elastin, and fibrillin, with the most intense presence being collagen. Comparisons indicate that the structure of the equine lamina cribrosa is similar to that of a dog, and may provide protection for the optic nerve during periods of increased eye pressure.
Methods
- The study made use of five healthy adult horses aged between 5 and 10. The horses’ eyes were fixed in a neutral buffered formalin at 10 percent and embedded in paraffin.
- Rabbit-derived polyclonal antibodies were used against human elastin, laminin, fibrillin-1, and three types of collagen, while goat-derived polyclonal antibodies were used against one type of collagen. These antibodies constituted the primary antibodies for the study.
- Histologic sections from the lamina cribrosa and optic nerve head were stained using primary antibody dilutions, a biotinylated link antibody, horseradish peroxidase-labeled streptavidin, and a chromogen. The researchers then interpreted these staining patterns qualitatively.
Results
- The lamina cribrosa in the horses’ eyes showed positive labeling for several types of collagen, as well as elastin, laminin, and fibrillin.
- Among these, the most intensely stained was type VI collagen. This was followed by types III and I.
- In terms of blood vessels on the lamina, they tested weakly positive for laminin and slightly positive for type IV collagen.
- Additionally, the ECM found at the point where the lamina attaches to the sclera had more intense labeling for types I and VI collagen than the lamina plates themselves.
Conclusions
- The lamina cribrosa of the adult horse is similar to that observed in dogs. It contains both elastic and collagen fibers, with the most predominant type being type VI collagen.
- However, both the normal horse and dog lamina feature more intense staining of type VI collagen than the normal human lamina cribrosa.
- The robust macromolecular structure of the equine lamina cribrosa suggests that it may offer some protection to the optic nerve axons during periods of elevated eye pressure.
Cite This Article
APA
Brooks DE, Komaromy AM, Garcia-Fernandez MC, Cutler TJ, Samuelson DA, Kallberg ME.
(2001).
Immunohistochemistry of the extracellular matrix of the normal equine lamina cribrosa.
Vet Ophthalmol, 3(2-3), 127-132.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1463-5224.2000.00127.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Departments of Large and Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
