Objective: To demonstrate the macromolecular components of extracellular matrix of lamina cribrosa from young human donors.
Methods: Immunoperoxidase (ABC) staining method was used to investigate the distribution of collagen type IV, laminin and fibronectin in the lamina cribrosa of 7 pairs of normal human eyes.
Results: There was a large amount of collagen type IV and laminin in the cribrosa plates, but no positive staining of fibronectin in them. The positive staining of fibronectin only existed at the blood vessel region.
Conclusion: The lamina cribrosa contains a specialized extracellular matrix of the central nerve system made up of plates of material resembling basement membrane.