Cytoskeletal active agents for glaucoma therapy

Abstract

The conventional outflow pathway, also known as the trabecular meshwork-Schlemm's canal (TM-SC) pathway, consists of three layers. The most proximal layer to the anterior chamber consists of collagen beams wrapped with trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. The middle layer is called the juxtacanalicular region (JCT). It is composed of trabecular cells embedded in a thick matrix containing fibronectin, collagen, and laminin. This region is often regarded as the major site of aqueous humor outflow resistance due to its narrow intercellular spaces. The last layer is the inner wall of Schlemm's canal and is made up of a monolayer of specialized endothelial cells situated on a basal lamina that is directly connected to the extracellular matrix of the JCT. The inner wall of Schlemm's canal has a high density of pores across its surface and is thought to contribute perhaps 10% of the total resistance to aqueous humor outflow through the TM. © 2010 Springer-Verlag New York.