Pilot study supporting the existence of novel lymphatic channels within the canine anterior uveal tract using Lyve-1 and CD31.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the existence of lymphatics in the canine anterior uvea using lymphatic-specific markers Lyve-1, Prox-1, and podoplanin, the endothelial cell marker CD31, and basement membrane matrix marker collagen IV.

DESIGN

Prospective Study.

ANIMALS: Eight normal globes from animals euthanized for unrelated health problems.

PROCEDURES: Sagittally cut serial sections of six normal canine eyes were immunofluorescence double-stained with Lyve-1 and CD31 and single-stained with colorimetric Prox-1 and collagen IV. Three serial sections from 2 additional eyes were cut in the coronal plane at the level of the ciliary body and immunofluorescence double-stained with Lyve-1 and CD31 to map lymphatic channel distribution. Lymphatics from normal canine lymph nodes were used for validation of podoplanin.

RESULTS

Four of 6 of the sagitally sectioned eyes had Lyve-1-positive lymphatic-like structures that were distinct from CD31-positive blood vessels in the iris base and ciliary body. Both of the coronally sectioned globes had Lyve-1-positive lymphatic-like structures in the ciliary body. The location of these structures was evaluated and found to be diffusely present circumferentially around the ciliary body.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results support the existence of lymphatic channels in the anterior uveal tract of the canine eye. This could indicate the presence of a novel uveolymphatic outflow pathway, which may play a role in aqueous humor outflow. Future studies are needed to confirm the existence and elucidate the role of this proposed uveolymphatic outflow pathway and potentially develop novel treatment options for managing glaucoma.