Collagen organization in the chicken cornea and structural alterations in the retinopathy, globe enlarged (rge) phenotype--an X-ray diffraction study.

摘要: An investigation into the collagenous structure of mature avian cornea is presented. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction employed to assess collagen organization in 9-month-old chicken corneas. The central 2–4 mm corneal region features a preponderance fibrils directed along superior–inferior and nasal-temporal orthogonal meridians. More peripherally orientation alters favor predominantly tangential arrangement. appears be circumscribed by an annulus that extends limbus. natural arrangement discussed relation shape mechanical requirements accommodation. Equivalent data are also presented from age-matched blind chickens affected with retinopathy, globe enlarged (rge) mutation, characterized abnormally thick flat cornea. indicate considerable realignment redistribution lamellae peripheral rge In contrast normal chickens, no obvious alignment was evident periphery mammals, presence limbal fibril believed important preservation. We postulate flattening may related biomechanical changes brought about alteration at periphery.