Enhanced Inflow and Outflow Rates Despite Lower IOP in Bestrophin-2-Deficient Mice

Abstract

purpose. Bestrophin-2 (Best2), a putative Cl⁻ channel is expressed in the nonpigmented epithelium (NPE). Disruption of Best2 in mice results in a diminished intraocular pressure (IOP). Aqueous humor dynamics were compared in Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice, to better understand the contribution of Best2 to IOP.

methods. Measurements of IOP, episcleral venous pressure (EVP), conventional outflow facility (C _t), aqueous humor production (F _a), and anterior chamber volume (V _a) were made using anterior chamber cannulation. Conventional (F _c) and uveoscleral outflow (F _u), and rate of aqueous humor turnover, were calculated from measured data. The anterior chamber was examined in live mice by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and postmortem by light microscopy.

results. IOP in Best2 ^−/− mice was lower compared with Best2 ^+/+ littermates. EVP was unchanged. Since Best2 is expressed in NPE cells, the hypothesis was that Best2 is involved in generating aqueous flow. However, F _a in Best2 ^−/− mice was increased by ∼73% compared with Best2 ^+/+ mice. This was accompanied by increases in F _c and F _u. Aqueous humor turnover was enhanced more than twofold in Best2 ^−/− mice. No evidence of developmental structural changes was noted.

conclusions. Best2 appears to antagonize the formation of aqueous humor and cause an inhibition of both F _c and F _u, despite being expressed only in NPE cells. These data support the hypothesis that the inflow and outflow pathways communicate via soluble agents present in the aqueous humor and implicate Best2 as a critical mediator of that communication.

The production of aqueous humor by the ciliary epithelium requires the transepithelial movement of H₂O and various ions. H₂O transport by the nonpigmented epithelium (NPE) like that of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and transporting epithelia in the colon, is thought to be coupled to Cl⁻ transport. ^{1 2} While there is evidence of the participation of as many as three distinct Cl⁻ channels in aqueous humor formation, CLC-3 is the only candidate to date for which there is direct evidence of involvement. ^{3 4}  

Bestrophins are a recently recognized family of proteins that have gained significant interest as potential Ca²⁺-activated Cl⁻ channels (CaCCs), although this function is somewhat controversial. ^{5 6} Recently, our laboratory demonstrated that mice in which the gene Best2, encoding bestrophin-2 (Best2) was disrupted exhibit a significantly lower IOP than Best2 ^+/+ littermates. ⁷ Best2 is uniquely expressed in the basolateral plasma membrane of the NPE in the eye, as well as in several other tissues, including the transporting epithelium of the colon. ⁷ In addition to their putative CaCC activity, bestrophins have been proposed to function as voltage-dependent anion or bicarbonate channels, ^{6 8} regulators of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, ^{5 9 10} and regulators of Na⁺ dependent H⁺ transport (Zhang et al., unpublished observations, 2008). The diminished IOP observed in Best2 ^−/− mice suggests that Best2 may serve as one of the Cl⁻ channels responsible for driving aqueous humor formation. 

To test the hypothesis that Best2 is a Cl⁻ channel necessary for aqueous formation, we performed a comprehensive study of aqueous dynamics in Best2 ^−/− mice, anticipating that aqueous formation would be diminished. To our surprise, we found that although IOP in these mice is lower in comparison to Best ^+/+ mice, the rate of aqueous formation, F _a, is significantly increased as is drainage through both the conventional (F _c) and uveoscleral (F _u) outflow pathways. Morphologic inspection of the anterior chamber did not identify any developmental or anatomic changes that would explain this phenomenon. Based on these data, we propose that Best2 does not participate in, but antagonizes the formation of aqueous humor, and that there is a communicative link between the ciliary epithelia and the outflow pathways that involves signaling via the only common component of the two, the aqueous humor. Finally, we conclude that these data continue a string of recent findings that are inconsistent with Bestrophins functioning in vivo as CaCCs, ^{5 11 12} and are more consistent with the hypothesis that bestrophins are regulators of ion transport. 

Methods

IOP Measurements

Mice deficient in Best2 have been reported previously. ⁷ All experiments were performed in accordance with the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research on mice aged 2 to 4 months. IOP was measured in mice by cannulation of the anterior chamber, as described previously, ^{7 13 14 15} by using Avertin anesthesia (300 mg/kg injected intraperitoneally). In brief, the anterior chamber was cannulated with a borosilicate glass microneedle, filled with Hanks’ balance salt solution (HBSS) and connected to a pressure transducer (BLPR; World Precision Instruments, Sarasota, FL). The signal was amplified (Bridge8 amplifier; World Precision Instruments), converted from analog to digital (Iworx model 108 converter; CB Sciences, Dover, NH), and recorded (LabScribe software ver. 1.6; CB Sciences). IOP was recorded for a period of >90 seconds, and the IOP was determined from the average of each recording. Recordings were discarded if the variance during the recording period exceeded 1 mm Hg or did not immediately return to zero after withdrawal of the needle. All measurements were performed between 2 and 6 PM, to avoid diurnal pressure variation. The apparatus was calibrated by using a fluid reservoir the height of which could be adjusted to generate a series of known pressures. 

Determination of Aqueous Humor Production

The rate of aqueous humor formation was determined by dilution of a fluorescent perfusate according to the method of Aihara et al. ¹³ substituting 5 μg/mL FITC-Dextran (70 kDa) for rhodamine dextran. Perfusion pressure was maintained at EVP so that pressure-dependent outflow was reduced to zero. Fluorescence was determined on a multilabel counter (Wallac, Victor3 1420; PerkinElmer Life Sciences, Wellesley, MA), with excitation and emission wavelengths of 485 and 535 nm, respectively. Aqueous production (F _a) was calculated based on the aspiration rate (3 μL/min) and the ratio of the concentration of FITC-dextran in the perfusion outflow fluid (C _o) to the concentration of FITC-dextran in the perfusion inflow fluid (C _i), according to Aihara et al ¹³ :  

\[F_{\mathrm{a}}\ {=}\ 3{\mu}L\ {\cdot}\ \mathrm{min}^{{-}1}\ (1{-}C_{\mathrm{o}}/C_{\mathrm{i}}).\]

 

Measurement of Conventional Outflow Facility

Conventional outflow facility (C _t) was determined according to Aihara et al., ¹³ with the same infusion system used to measure IOP and aqueous production. All fluid within the infusion system was replaced with physiological saline. The measurement was based on measuring total outflow volume (V _t) for a period of 10 minutes at two different levels of IOP (25 and 35 mm Hg), maintained by altering the reservoir height. C _t was determined according to the following equation:  

\[C_{\mathrm{t}}\ {=}\ 0.01\ {\times}\ (V_{\mathrm{t}{=}35}{-}V_{\mathrm{t}{=}25})\ {\mu}L\ {\cdot}\ \mathrm{min}^{{-}1}/\mathrm{mm\ Hg}.\]

 

Determination of Conventional and Uveoscleral Outflow

IOP, EVP, and C _t were measured and averaged for each genotype. Using these data, the conventional outflow (F _c) was calculated as:  

\[F_{\mathrm{c}}{=}C_{\mathrm{t}}\mathrm{{\times}\ (IOP\ {-}\ EVP).}\]

Uveoscleral outflow (F _u) was then calculated according to the modified Goldmann equation:  

\[F_{\mathrm{u}}{=}F_{\mathrm{a}}{-}C_{\mathrm{t}}\ {\times}\ (\mathrm{IOP}\ {-}\ \mathrm{EVP}).\]

 

Anterior Chamber Volume and Aqueous Humor Turnover Rate

Anterior chamber volume (V _a) was determined by aspiration of the aqueous humor at a rate of 100 nL/s, according to Aihara et al. ¹³ Aspiration was deemed complete when the central border of the iris was observed by dissecting microscope to make contact with the cornea. The turnover rate (% · min⁻¹) was calculated as:  

\[\mathrm{Turnover\ rate}\ {=}\ 100{\times}F_{\mathrm{a}}/V_{\mathrm{a}}.\]

 

Statistical Analysis

Data from Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice were compared by using the two-tailed, homoscedastic t-test function (Excel 2004 for MAC; Microsoft, Redmond, WA). 

Histology

Two-month-old mice were fixed by intracardiac perfusion with half-strength Karnovsky’s fixative (2.5% glutaraldehyde and 2% paraformaldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer [pH 7.2]). The eyes were enucleated and further fixed by immersion in half strength Karnovsky’s fixative for an additional 18 hours, after which they were transferred to 0.1 M cacodylate buffer (pH 7.2). The eyes were then postfixed with 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in a graded series of alcohols, and embedded in Spurr’s resin. Semi-thin sections (0.5 μm) were cut on a microtome (Reichert Ultracut; Leica, Deerfield, IL) and stained with toluidine blue. Sections were inspected with a microscope (E-600; Nikon, Tokyo, Japan) and photographed with a color CCD camera. 

Optical Coherence Tomography

Two- to 4-month-old mice were anesthetized with Avertin (250 mg/kg IP) and placed on a mechanical stage that permitted movement along two axes. The anterior chamber was imaged (OCP930SR Spectral Radar OCT Imaging System; Thorlabs, Newton, NJ) with a 930-nm center wavelength light source and an axial resolution 4.5 μm in tissue. Cross-sectional images were recorded in the nasal-temporal plane as well as the superior-inferior plane. Pixel images (500 × 512; x–z) were captured at maximum pupillary diameter and corrected for asymmetries in x–z spacing (Photoshop 7.01; Adobe Systems, San Jose, CA). Measurements of anterior chamber depth and corneal thickness were made from distortion-corrected images obtained along both the nasal-temporal and superior-inferior axis using Image J software (developed by Wayne Rasband, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; available at http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/index.html). 

Results

Effect of Best2 Disruption on IOP

In our previous study, ⁷ we observed that IOP was diminished in Best2 ^−/− mice in comparison to their Best2 ^+/+ littermates. Since that initial report, we have increased the number of animals on which we have performed measurements of IOP. In the current study, The measured IOP in Best2 ^+/+ was 11.70 ± 0.16 mm Hg (mean ± SE, n = 31) and for Best2 ^−/− it was 10.22 ± 0.16 mm Hg (mean ± SE, n = 55), a significant (P < 0.0001) difference of 1.48 mm Hg (Fig. 1 , Table 1 ). 

Measurement of Aqueous Humor Formation

According to the modified Goldmann equation, IOP = [(F _a − F _u)/C _t] + EVP. In our prior study ⁷ we measured EVP in Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice and found no difference with both groups having an EVP of 6.3 ± 0.3 mm Hg (Table 1) . Since EVP between Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice are identical, the difference in IOP must arise from differences in F _a or C _t. Combined with our observation that Best2 is expressed only in NPE cells in the eye, we hypothesized that the diminished IOP is the result of a diminished rate of aqueous humor formation. 

To test our hypothesis, we used a modification of the method of Aihara et al., ¹³ in which the anterior chamber of the eye is cannulated, clamped at EVP, and perfused with a physiologic salt solution containing a 70-kDa FITC-dextran. By observing dilution of the fluorescence emission of the perfusion outflow fluid versus that of the inflow fluid, we determined F _a. In Best2 ^+/+ mice F _a was 0.160 ± 0.047 μL/min (mean ± SD, n = 9; Fig. 2A , Table 1 ), similar to the 0.18 ± 0.05 μL/min reported by Aihara et al. in NIH Swiss white mice. Unexpectedly, F _a in Best2 ^−/− mice was 0.277 ± 0.069 μL/min (mean ± SD, n = 9; Fig. 2A , Table 1 ), a significant (P < 0.001) increase (73%) over the Best2 ^+/+ mice. 

Measurement of Conventional Outflow Facility

Based on the modified Goldmann equation (equation 4) , for IOP to be diminished without altering EVP, either F _a must be diminished or F _u and C _t must be increased. Since F _a was significantly increased for Best2 ^−/− mice, and F _u cannot be measured directly, we next measured C _t (Fig. 2B , Table 1 ). Again employing the methods of Aihara et al. ¹³ we observed in Best2 ^+/+ mice, C _t was 0.0050 ± 0.0015 μL · min⁻¹/mm Hg (mean ± SD, n = 23, Fig. 2B , Table 1 ), nearly identical with the 0.0051 μL · min^-1/mm Hg reported by Aihara et al. in NIH Swiss white mice. Of interest, in Best2 ^−/− mice, C _t was 0.0085 ± 0.0026 μL · min⁻¹/mm Hg (mean ± SD, n = 23, Fig. 2B , Table 1 ), a significant (P < 0.001) increase (70%) compared with Best2 ^+/+ mice. 

Having obtained measured values for IOP, EVP, F _a, and C _t, we calculated F _c and F _u by using equations 3and 4 , respectively. As shown in Table 1 , F_c was 0.027 and 0.033 μL · min⁻¹ in Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice, respectively, a 22% increase in F _c for Best2 ^−/− mice. F _u was calculated to be 0.133 and 0.211 μL · min⁻¹ in Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice respectively, a 59% increase in Best2 ^−/− mice. These results indicate that both pressure-dependent and independent outflow appears to overcompensate for the increase in F _a in Best2 ^−/− mice resulting in an IOP that is lower in Best2 ^−/− mice than in Best2 ^+/+ mice, despite the 73% increase in F _a in Best2 ^−/− mice. 

Anatomy of the Angle

The increase in C _t was perplexing, considering that Best2 is expressed only in the NPE and not by cells in drainage tissues. One potential explanation is anatomic differences or abnormalities resulting from a lack of Best2. A postmortem examination of the angles of Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice identified no gross anatomic abnormalities in outflow structures; however, we occasionally observed an expanded TM and deposits of pigment in the TM of Best2 ^−/− mice (Fig. 3) . 

In parallel studies, we examined the anterior chamber of live mice using OCT (Fig. 4) . No difference was observed in the thickness of the cornea (Table 2) . However, the anterior chamber depth (ACD) measured from the inner surface of the cornea to the anterior surface of the lens capsule was 496 μm in Best2 ^+/+ mice (n = 12) but only 458 μm in Best2 ^−/− mice (n = 15), a decrease of nearly 40 μm (Fig. 4 , Table 2 ). 

To determine anterior chamber volume (V _a), we used the aqueous humor aspiration method of Aihara et al. ¹³ Consistent with the change observed in ACD, the anterior chamber volume was decreased by 17% in Best2 ^−/− mice (Table 1) . Based on V _a and F _a, we calculated the turnover rate of aqueous humor by using equation 5 . Turnover in Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice was 3.5% · min⁻¹ and 7.4% · min⁻¹ respectively; a 2.1-fold increase in the Best2 ^−/− mice. 

Discussion

In our study, Best2 ^−/− mice exhibited diminished IOP, despite a ∼73% increase in F _a and a more than twofold increase in the rate of aqueous turnover. The increase in F _a was overcompensated for by enhanced drainage. Both F _c and F _u were increased, although a more significant portion of the aqueous flow drained via F _u than F _c in the Best2 ^−/− mice. Based on the antagonistic effect of Best2 on F _a we conclude that Best2 is not one of the Cl⁻ channels involved in aqueous humor formation, leaving us with the question of how Best2 antagonizes aqueous humor production. 

The hypothesis that bestrophins function as CaCCs ¹⁶ arose from the observation that individuals with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD), due to mutations in BEST1, exhibit a diminished electrooculogram light peak. ¹⁷ This response is generated by a Cl⁻ conductance across the basolateral surface of the retinal pigment epithelium ¹⁸ (RPE) where Best1 is normally expressed. ¹⁹ Support for this idea came from heterologous expression studies showing bestrophin-specific CaCC activity that was diminished or absent in all mutant forms of Best1 tested. ¹⁶ However, disruption of Best1 does not diminish the light peak in mice, ¹¹ and the diminished CaCC activity exhibited by mutant Best1 does not explain how different Best1 mutants cause four clinically distinct diseases. 

A second hypothesis for bestrophin function is that this family of proteins functions as regulators of ion transport. ^{5 6 9 10 11} We have shown that L-type voltage dependent Ca²⁺ channels (VDCCs) are required for the light peak, ^{9 11 20} and that Best1 and Best1 mutants exert specific effects on the kinetics of VDCCs, ^{9 11} a finding recently confirmed by Yu et al., ¹⁰ who also demonstrated a physical interaction of Best1 with the β3 subunit of VDCC channels. Thus, Best2 may play a role in regulating Ca²⁺ signaling, similar to what we have proposed for Best1. ^{5 9 11} The NPE is in close physical contact with the pigment epithelium (PE), working in tandem to generate the aqueous flow. According to Mitchell et al. ²¹ PE cells release ATP due to cell swelling, which results in activation of a hypothesized Ca²⁺ dependent negative feedback loop sending Cl⁻ into the stroma. ^{2 21} ATP stimulates P2Y2 receptors in PE cells to trigger Ca²⁺ release. In mice, disruption of Best1 results in an increase in [Ca²⁺]_i compared with wild-type mice in response to extracellular ATP, suggesting that Best1 functions to regulate intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling. Although Best2 is in the NPE and not the PE, these cells communicate through an extensive network of GAP junctions. ²² Perhaps, Best2 normally acts as the governor of the negative feedback loop altering Ca²⁺ signaling to promote aqueous resorption to control the desired rate of aqueous flow. In its absence this failure to properly regulate Ca²⁺ signaling could result in a diminished rate of Cl⁻ recycling and thus enhanced aqueous production. 

The increase in F _a observed in Best2 ^−/− mice in the present study should logically have led to an increase in IOP. However, there was an overcompensating effect on the conventional outflow facility that resulted in a diminished IOP. How could this occur? We observed no obvious anatomic changes such as breaks in the inner wall of Schlemm’s canal or larger spaces between ciliary muscle bundles that would account for elevated drainage through either the conventional or uveoscleral pathways. However, we did observe TM tissues that appeared expanded, perhaps the result of enhanced outflow. Such a difference may be more obvious if eyes are fixed under pressure. If there is no dramatic developmental or structural abnormality in the angle, then the increase in C _t must have been functional and have been triggered by the increase in F _a. Others have proposed that the ciliary body communicates with the TM via the aqueous humor. ^{23 24 25} The mechanism underlying this putative communication is unknown although bioactive peptides have been suggested as one possible mechanism. ^{23 24 25} Changes in [Ca²⁺]_i could have profound effects not only on ion transport properties of NPE cells, but may alter secretion of bioactive peptides, ^{26 27} or perhaps alter the ionic composition, ^{21 28 29 30} and/or the viscosity ³¹ of the aqueous humor in a manner promoting enhanced outflow. Further studies are needed to test these hypotheses and to better understand the role of Best2 and how it can affect outflow. 

It has been noted that there is an enormous variation in the ratio of drainage through the conventional and uveoscleral pathways in different species. In rabbits, F _u is <10% of F _a, whereas mice are at the other end of the spectrum with ∼80% of drainage flowing through the uveoscleral pathway. ^{13 31} Humans and other primates range from 4% to 60%, ³² depending on age. In general, younger primates make greater use of the uveoscleral pathway than older ones. In the present study we have confirmed that mice are prolific in their use of uveoscleral drainage, with F _u constituting 83% of total outflow in our wild-type mice and 88% in the Best2 ^−/− mice. Although Lindsey and Weinreb ³³ have qualitatively demonstrated that the mouse has a uveoscleral pathway, the small size of the mouse eye has stymied efforts to directly measure F _u. As a result, F _u in the mouse is calculated indirectly based on the assumption that drainage must be split between the conventional and uveoscleral pathways (see equation 4 ). The absence of Best2 causes a further increase in F _u such that it constitutes 88% of total drainage. However, this does not alter our hypothesis regarding how outflow is enhanced. Bioactive peptides, ion composition, and aqueous humor viscosity could all play roles in enhancing uveoscleral drainage. 

In summary, we have shown that disruption of Best2 in mice results in a significant decrease in IOP despite a 73% increase in F _a. Therefore, Best2 is a potent antagonist of aqueous humor production. The enhanced production of aqueous humor is overcompensated for by an increase in both conventional and uveoscleral drainage. Since Best2 is expressed uniquely in the NPE and there is no obvious anatomic reason for increased outflow, these data imply a communicative link between the ciliary body and the outflow pathway that is modulated by Best2. Therefore, drugs that target Best2 function would appear to be novel candidates for the treatment of glaucoma. 

 Supported by National Institutes of Health Grants EY13160 (ADM) and EY13847 (LYM), the Macular Vision Research Foundation (ADM), a Career Development Award (LYM), and an unrestricted grant to the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science at the University of Arizona from Research to Prevent Blindness.

 Submitted for publication June 27, 2008; revised August 29 and October 1, 2008; accepted December 9, 2008.

 Disclosure: Y. Zhang, None; B.R. Davidson, None; W.D. Stamer, None; J.K. Barton, None; L.Y. Marmorstein, None; A.D. Marmorstein, None

 The publication costs of this article were defrayed in part by page charge payment. This article must therefore be marked “advertisement” in accordance with 18 U.S.C. §1734 solely to indicate this fact.

 

Figure 1.

 

Comparison of IOP in Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice. IOP was measured via anterior chamber cannulation. Note that IOP is significantly (P < 0.0001) lower in Best2 ^−/− mice. Data are presented as a box plot in which the line within the box marks the median IOP, and the boundaries of the box indicate the range covered by the middle 50% of measurements. Bars above and below the boxes indicate the 90th and 10th percentiles, respectively. Symbols outside of the box and bars are outliers. Best2 ^+/+, n = 31; Best2 ^−/−, n = 55.

Table 1.

 

Comparison of Aqueous Humor Dynamic Parameters of Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− Mice

Parameter*	Best2 +/+					Best2 −/−
		Data	n	Equation	Data	n	Equation
IOP (mm Hg)	11.70 ± 0.16	31		10.22 ± 0.16	55
EVP (mm Hg)	6.3 ± 0.3	9		6.3 ± 0.3	9
F a (μL/min)	0.160 ± 0.047	9	1	0.277 ± 0.069	9	1
C t (μL · min−1/mm Hg)	0.0050 ± 0.0015	23	2	0.0085 ± 0.0026	23	2
F c (μL/min)	0.027		3	0.033		3
F u (μL/min)	0.133		4	0.244		4
V a (μL)	4.51 ± 0.37	8		3.74 ± 0.27	12
Turnover rate (% · min−1)	3.5		5	7.4		5

 Data are presented as the mean ± SD, except for IOP where data are the mean ± SE.

*  Values for F _c, F _u, and turnover rate were derived form measured data using the indicated equations.

Figure 2.

 

Comparison of F _a (A) and C _t (B) in Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice. F _a is significantly (P < 0.001) elevated in Best2 ^−/− mice compared with Best2 ^+/+ mice (A). C _t, is also elevated in Best2 ^−/− mice compared with Best2 ^+/+ mice (B). Data are presented as a box plot in which the line within the box marks the median, and the boundaries of the box indicate the range covered by the middle 50% of measurements. Bars above and below the boxes indicate the 90th and 10th percentiles respectively. Symbols outside of the box and bars are outliers. Best2 ^+/+, n = 9 in (A) and 23 in (B); for Best2 ^−/− n = 9 in (A) and 23 in (B).

Figure 3.

 

Comparison of the angle in Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice. Representative photomicrographs of toluidine blue-stained thick sections of the angle in Best2 ^+/+ (A, C) and Best2 ^−/− (B, D) mice. No significant differences were noted in the angle examined at low magnification (A, B). Inspection of Schlemm’s canal (sc) and the trabecular meshwork (tm) at higher magnification (C, D) indicated little difference as well, although tm tissue was often more expanded in the Best2 ^−/− mouse, perhaps indicative of a higher rate of flow through drainage tissues.

Figure 4.

 

OCT imaging of the anterior chamber of Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− mice. The anterior chambers of live Best2 ^+/+ (A) and Best2 ^−/− (B) mice were examined using OCT. Anterior chamber depth (ACD) and corneal thickness (CT) were measured as indicated from images. On average, the ACD of Best2 ^−/− mice was shallower than that of Best2 ^+/+ mice (see Table 2 ) with no significant difference in CT.

Table 2.

 

Structural Attributes of the Anterior Chamber of Best2 ^+/+ and Best2 ^−/− Mice

	Anterior Chamber Depth (μm)*	Corneal Thickness (μm)
Best2 +/+ (n = 12)	496 ± 27	100 ± 16
Best2 −/− (n = 15)	458 ± 17	101 ± 13

 Data are expressed as the mean ± SD.

*   P < 0.001.

The authors thank Nicholas Delamere for helpful discussions.