[The structure and type of neuroglia in human eye lamina cribrosa].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the morpho-structure of neuroglia in the lamina cribrosa of human eyes, its cell type, physiological characteristics and role in the pathological process of optic nerve damage.


METHODS
Histochemical and immunocytochemical staining, and transmission electron microscopic techniques were uses.


RESULTS
The neuroglial tissue is distributed in the interspaces between the laminar sheets, on the internal wall of scleral canal and in optic nerve fiber bundles. Its cell is of fibrillary neuroglial astrocyte type.


CONCLUSIONS
The fibrillary neuroglial astrocytes constitute a spatial net-work like architecture within the lamina cribrosa, provide mechanical support for optic nerve fibers as their main function and have higher resistance to pressure insults than optic nerve fibers.
Ren
Z
Z
Department of Ophthalmology, First School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing Medical University.
Li
M
M
D001253:Astrocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000648:ultrastructure*