Axon deviation in the human lamina cribrosa.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the course taken by individual retinal ganglion cell axons through the human lamina cribrosa.


METHODS
Retinal ganglion cell axons were labelled using the retrograde tracer horseradish peroxidase applied directly to the optic nerve in two normal human eyes removed during the course of treatment for extraocular disease.


RESULTS
A majority of axons took a direct course through the lamina cribrosa but a significant minority, in the range 8-12%, deviated to pass between the cribrosal plates in both central and peripheral parts of the optic disc.


CONCLUSIONS
It is postulated that these axons would be selectively vulnerable to compression of the lamina cribrosa in diseases such as glaucoma in which the intraocular pressure is increased.
Morgan
J E
JE
Cardiff Eye Unit, University Hospital of Wales.
Jeffery
G
G
Foss
A J
AJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001369:Axons; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D012590:Sclera / Q000294:innervation*