Human trabecular meshwork organ culture. A new method.

A new method has been developed for organ culture of human trabecular meshwork. Human eyebank eyes are sectioned at the equator and lens and vitreous are removed. The anterior segments are placed in a modified culture dish, cornea side up, and then sealed in place. Culture media (Dulbecco's modified Eagle media) are perfused through a cannula built into the bottom of the dish. The sealed system forces media to flow through the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, and exit through the normal limbal pathways. Intraocular pressure can be maintained at normal (or elevated) levels throughout the culture period. Corneal clarity is maintained. Trabecular cells remain in normal position on trabecular beams and maintain many of their usual morphologic characteristics. Cultures appear to be viable for up to 4 weeks. This technique should allow study of intact human trabecular meshwork in a controlled experimental fashion.