Erythrocyte phagocytosis in the human trabecular meshwork

Abstract

Examination of the ultrastructure of the outflow apparatus of a 20 yr old man 15 days after a traumatic hyphema has emphasized the role of phagocytosis as a mechanism of disposal of erythrocytes. Two types of cell were shown to be involved in erythrocyte phagocytosis: histiocytic macrophages and endothelial macrophages. The endothelial macrophages detached from the trabecular beams and migrated with the histiocytic macrophages to accumulate in the endothelial meshwork, and on several occasions macrophages were observed in transit through the cytoplasm of the endothelial lining of the trabecular wall of Schlemm's canal. The intercellular junctions of the lining endothelium were preserved and there was no evidence of transendothelial erythrocyte migration. The results help to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms involved in hemolytic glaucoma.