The Elastin Fiber System between and Adjacent to Collector Channels in the Human Juxtacanalicular Tissue

Abstract

Elastin, elaunin, oxytalan, and elastin-associated proteins fibrillin-1 and microfibrillar-associated protein-1/2 were identified within the juxtacanalicular tissue of the inner and outer walls and within collector channel walls of human eyes perfused at low and high pressure. No differences in labeling patterns for elastin, elaunin, and oxytalan were found in the juxtacanalicular tissue adjacent to or between collector channel orifices. The elastin fiber system appears to have a significant role in the support and distensibility of the juxtacanalicular region under collector channels.