Extracellular matrix of the optic nerve lamina cribrosa in the normal monkey eyes

The presence and distribution of collagen type I through VI, laminin, fibronectin and alpha-elastin were demonstrated in the normal monkey optic nerve lamina cribrosa, using a immunohistochemical method, the biotin-streptavidin (B-SA) system. Interstitial collagens, collagen type I and III, were detected diffusely within laminar beams continuously with surrounding sclera. The adventitia around the central artery and vein, and pial septa were also stained with collagen type I and III. Collagen type IV and laminin, which were basement membrane materials, were localized linearly along the margin of the laminal beams, pial septa and adventitia. They were also stained in all vascular walls. Collagen type V, VI and fibronectin were similar with collagen type I and III, but their linear staining was more intense onto the margin of the laminar beams and the pial septa. Rich immunoreactivity for alpha-elastin was found in the glial columns and the laminal beams. The presence and distribution of the structural protein components of the ECM of the monkey optic nerve lamina cribrosa was the same as that previously reported in human.