Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To investigate the intraocular distribution of dextran molecules with different molecular weights after injection into the anterior chamber of the mouse eye. Methods: The anterior chamber of 38 anesthetized NIH Swiss mouse eyes were perfused with dextran solution at 500 nl / minute for 10 minutes. The dextrans were lysine-fixable and conjugated to fluorescent dyes as follows: 10 kDa, Oregon Green; 40 kDa, fluorescein; 70 kDa, Texas Red; and 500 kDa, fluorescein. At 10, 20, or 60 minutes after the start of the anterior chamber perfusion, the mice were transcardially fixed with 2% formaldehyde / 0.5% glutaraldehyde, and the eyes cryoprotected with sucrose. Cryostat sections were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. Results: 10 kDa dextran was observed in the anterior chamber after 10 minutes of perfusion and in the supraciliary space, the anterior suprachoroidal space, the choroid and the sclera after 60 minutes of perfusion. 40 kDa dextran was detected in the anterior chamber after 20 minutes and in the supraciliary space after 60 minutes of perfusion. 70 kDa dextran was observed in the anterior chamber, the supraciliary space and in the ciliary processes after 10 minutes. After 20 minutes, it was also observed in the anterior and intermediate suprachoroidal space, in the anterior choroid, and the anterior sclera. After 60 minutes, it was observed in all segments including the posterior suprachoroidal space and the adjacent choroid and sclera. 500 kDa dextran was observed in the anterior chamber after 20 minutes and 60 minutes, but was not observed further posterior than this. Conclusions: The distribution of dextran molecules in the suprachoroidal space of the mouse is dependent on the molecular weight. 500 kDa dextran as well as 10 kDa dextran do not reach the posterior to the equator region. In contrast, 70 kDa dextran enters the suprachoroidal space via the uveoscleral outflow pathway and traverses to the posterior pole of the mouse eye.
Keywords: outflow: ciliary muscle • pharmacology • aqueous