Abstract
The assumption of secretory function of the non-pigmented epithelium of the ciliary body (Leber, 1 Seidel 2 ) has not been satisfactorily confirmed. Some clinical experience of quick absorption of vitreous hemorrhages, however, seems to point to a possible absorbing function; and Meller 3 was able to show blood pigments in the inner layer of ciliary epithelium in such a case. Experiments were therefore attempted on albino rabbits to investigate this question.
The ciliary body of the rabbit is covered by an inner and an outer layer of epithelium. The inner epithelial cells are not uniform, some being columnar, others cubic or flat, while those of the outer layer are uniformly cubic. Each of the columnar cells, which are concerned in this study, is limited sidewise by a very thin membrane and outwardly by a definite thick membrane closely similar to the cuticular membrane of the intestinal columnar cells. Further, the intracellular arrangement of mitochondria and Golgi apparatus is identical to that of the intestinal absorbing cells.
These structural similarities led to the following absorption tests. The foreign material was introduced into the posterior chamber of one eye, the other serving as a control. A fine needle was inserted in the upper half of the eyeball obliquely through conjunctiva and solera to prevent outflow of the injected material after removal of the needle. Two hours after injection, the lower sector of the ciliary process, i. e., the sector opposite the place of injection, as well as the ciliary body of the control eye were fixed and prepared for study.
Indian ink injection: From 0.1 to 0.2 cc. Indian ink was given. Specimens were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with hematox-ylin-eosin.
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