Structural observation of the anterior chamber angle in CYP1B1-null mice

Abstract

To determine the effects of CYP1B1 gene on the structure of anterior chamber angle in mice. It is experimental study. Adult CYP1B1-null mice were used, in comparison C57BL/6J mice was used as control. The mice eyes were enucleated and plastic-embedded and the anterior chamber angle were sagittally sectioned in 3 micrometers thickness. The morphology and structure of the eye tissues was studied by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The anterior chamber angle in C57BL/6J mice were well developed. But in CYP1B1-null mice, a variety of anomalies were found in the these tissues, including hypoplastic and compressed trabecular meshwork, abnormal structure of trabecular cells, a basal lamina extending from cornea over the meshwork, small or absent Schlemm's canal, and long iris process extending from the iris root to the trabecular meshwork. These pathological changes was demonstrated focally and the rest of the angle in CYP1B1-null were normal. CYP1B1 gene plays an important role in the development of the anterior chamber angle. Deletion of this gene leads to the abnormalities in trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal and iris process, which may have some influence on the metabolism and function of the outflow facilities.