Interlacing and cross-angle distribution of collagen lamellae in the human cornea.

PURPOSE: The interlacing and cross angles between the collagen lamellae within the human corneal stroma were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
METHODS: For SEM, cells and noncollagenous extracellular matrix were removed with 10% sodium hydroxide. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) preparations were performed according to standard procedures. The interlacing of lamellae was studied within the limbal, paracentral, and central regions of five different layers. The cross angles between the longitudinal axes of adjacent lamellae were measured. The distribution of these angles within defined layers and regions was compared. Special attention was paid to the interlacing of the lamellae.
RESULTS: Lamellae split in an anteroposterior direction as well as horizontally into branches and are interlaced by crossing the fissures between the branches. Smaller lamellae cross through clefts of neighboring lamellae. The cross angles show a high variability of 1 degree - 90 degrees. With the exception of the limbal region of the layer adjacent to Descemet's membrane, the distribution of cross angles is similar. A frequent occurrence of cross angles <30 degrees (68%) in this limbal layer can be explained by a pseudocircular orientation (ligamentum circulare corneae) of the lamellae.
CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the three-dimensional organization of the collagen lamellae is characterized by a greater extent of lamellar interlacing than has been assumed until now.