Die Lymphdrainage von Cornea, Limbus und Conjunctiva*

Abstract

Air (n = 30), patent blue (n = 30), Berlin blue (n = 30), Berlin blue and air (n = 30), and Berlin blue and Mercox (n = 30) were injected into the corneas and conjunctivas of 150 enucleated cattle eyes. Using air for injection, so-called Bowman "corneal tubes" form in the cornea, which can easily be filled with pigment (patent blue, Berlin blue). In some cases (n = 3) the conjunctival lymphatics were filled with air during injection into the cornea. Besides the "corneal tubes", larger vessel-like structures can be demonstrated, which seem to be connected to corneal nerves. The significance of these structures as prelymphatics and their importance in the lymph drainage of the cornea are discussed. The injection of patent blue and Berlin blue into the limbus leads to the formation of a delicate network of arch-shaped lymphatics, from which larger lymphatics take their color. In the case of Berlin blue and Mercox, and Berlin blue and air injection, sections of lymphatic vessels in the shape of pointed arches form at the edges of the segments. It can be shown stereomicroscopically that these are not valves or invaginations, but only hump-shaped diverticula of the vessels. Annular constrictions of the lymphatic vessels were found, rather than bicuspid valves. The valveless pump mechanism described by Liebau is discussed as a possible means of lymph transport in the conjunctiva.

The potential of antibody‐based immunosuppressive agents for corneal transplantation

“…Up to 50 per cent of the total amount of a topically applied low molecular weight drug is absorbed through the conjunctiva into the subconjunctival connective tissue 187 , 188 . This tissue contains a dense net of blood and lymph vessels, 189 , 190 which rapidly drain topically applied drugs into the regional lymphatics and vasculature before they reach the sclera 32 , 191 . Hydrophilic drug penetration through the sclera is very similar to penetration through the corneal stroma: permeability decreases in a linear fashion for molecules between 280 Da and 40 kDa, followed by a very rapid drop in permeability for larger molecules 192 , 193 , 194…”

Application of quantum dot‐based biosensor to the conjunctiva in Wistar albino rats

“…Stereomicroscopic research on the cornea, limbus and the lymph vessels in the conjunctiva of cattle revealed that there were no valves or invaginations in the lymphatic vessels, while there were diverticula's like humps in the vessels (Gruntzig, Nolte, Schad, & Pfankuchen, ). However, according to Guo et al (), there were cover‐like formations in the conjunctiva of monkeys.…”