Equine pectinate ligament descemetization is associated with age

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between equine pectinate ligament descemetization and ocular disease.

METHODS

The pathology database of the North Carolina State University Veterinary Medical Center was searched from 2010-2021 for all equine globes. Disease status was then assigned as affected by glaucoma, uveitis, or "other" based upon clinical records. The iridocorneal angles (ICA) of each globe were evaluated for the presence of pectinate ligament descemetization, the length of descemetization, as well as for the degree of angle collapse and the extent of cellular infiltrate or proteinaceous debris. One slide from each eye was evaluated by two separate, blinded investigators (HW & TS).

RESULTS

A total of 66 eyes from 61 horses were identified, with a total of 124 sections of ICA of sufficient quality to review. 16 horses were affected by uveitis, 8 by glaucoma, 7 by both glaucoma and uveitis, and 30 horses by other ocular disease, most commonly ocular surface disease or neoplasia, which served as controls. Pectinate ligament descemetization was most prevalent in the control group compared to the glaucoma and uveitis groups. Pectinate ligament descemetization length was positively correlated with age, with an increase of 13.5 μm per year of age (p = .016). Infiltrate scores and angle closure scores were higher in both the glaucoma and uveitis group compared to the control group (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Equine pectinate ligament descemetization appears to be correlated with increased age and should not be used as a histologic marker for the presence of glaucoma.

Cyp1b1 expression impacts the angiogenic and inflammatory properties of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells

Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) is a member of the cytochrome p450 family of enzymes that catalyze mono-oxygenase reactions. Although constitutive Cyp1b1 expression is limited in hepatocytes, its expression and function in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) remains unknown. Here we determined the impact of Cyp1b1 expression on LSEC properties prepared from Cyp1b1+/+ and Cyp1b1-/- mice. LSEC expressed PECAM-1, VE-cadherin, and B4 lectin similar to EC from other mouse tissues. Cyp1b1 +/+ LSEC constitutively expressed significant levels of Cyp1b1, while Cyp1b1-/- LSEC lacked Cyp1b1 expression. LSEC also expressed VEGFR3, PROX-1, and LYVE-1, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, as well as other cell adhesion molecules including ICAM-1, ICAM-2, VCAM-1, and thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) receptors, CD36 and CD47. However, the expression of PV-1 and stabilin (fenestration markers), and endoglin were limited in these cells. The Cyp1b1-/- LSEC showed limited fenestration, and decreased levels of VEGF and BMP6. Cyp1b1-/- LSEC also showed a decrease in the levels of VE-cadherin and ZO-1 impacting adherens and gap junction formation. Cyp1b1-/- LSEC were significantly more apoptotic, proliferated at a faster rate, and were less adherent and more migratory. These changes were attributed, in part, to decreased amounts of TSP1 and increased AKT and ERK activation. The expressions of integrins were also altered by the lack of Cyp1b1, but the ability of these cells to undergo capillary morphogenesis was minimally affected. Furthermore, Cyp1b1-/- LSEC expressed lower levels of inflammatory mediators MCP-1 and TNF-α. Thus, Cyp1b1 expression has a significant impact on LSEC angiogenic and inflammatory functions.

Prospective study of ocular and periocular diseases in animals: 188 cases

ABSTRACT: Histopathology of the ocular and periocular tissues submitted for diagnosis and research is still incipient in Brazil, in contrast to veterinary clinical ophthalmology. In this study, ocular and periocular tissues from domestic and wild animal species, mainly from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were evaluated between February 2012 and September 2015. The samples were analyzed grossly and microscopically. Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed on some of the samples. The frequency, type of ocular alteration, affected animal species, and affected ocular or periocular tissues were recorded. One hundred eighty-eight ocular and periocular tissues from domestic and, occasionally, wild animals were examined. Nine animals presented two concurrent alterations, adding up to 197 alterations. Proliferative lesions were the most frequent (92), followed by traumatic (43), inflammatory (37), degenerative (18), developmental (4) and vascular/hemorrhagic diseases (3). The globe was the most affected structure (112), followed by eyelids (52), third eyelid (17), bulbar conjunctiva (14) and retrobulbar region (2). Neoplasms arising from periocular tissues were the most frequent alteration (60), possibly related to a more active surgical service and histopathologic evaluation request. Many animals presented ocular lesions that reflected systemic diseases, which were diagnosed by necropsy and examination of other organs. Particularly in cases of neoplasia, early detection and surgical treatment can prevent systemic involvement. Ocular histopathologic evaluation can provide better characterization and prognosis of the clinical-pathological condition of the patient as well.

Major breed distribution of canine patients enucleated or eviscerated due to glaucoma following routine cataract surgery as well as common histopathologic findings within enucleated globes

PURPOSE

To identify the most significantly represented breeds that were enucleated or eviscerated due to intractable glaucoma following elective cataract surgery and to describe the major histopathologic features of enucleated globes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin database revealed 153 canine evisceration or enucleation submissions that met inclusion criteria. The most commonly represented breeds were identified, and enucleated globes of these breeds were further evaluated histologically (n = 69). Following standard hematoxylin & eosin staining, globes were evaluated for the presence of; corneal pathology, goniodysgenesis, pigment dispersion, pre-iridal fibrovascular membranes (PIFVMs), peripheral anterior, and/or posterior synechiation, inflammatory infiltrates, lens pathology, retinal pathology, and/or endophthalmitis.

RESULTS

The most significantly represented breeds were the Cocker Spaniel (11.7%), Boston Terrier (10.5%), Labrador Retriever (6.5%), Bichon Frise (6.5%), Shih Tzu (5.8%), and Jack Russell Terrier (5.8%). Common histopathologic findings included inflammatory keratitis, the presence of PIFVMs, and lymphoplasmacytic uveal infiltrates.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Jack Russell Terrier may be at increased risk of the development of glaucoma following elective cataract surgery. These findings have potential clinical implications.

Epidemiology of canine glaucoma presented to University of Zurich from 1995 to 2009. Part 1: Congenital and primary glaucoma (4 and 123 cases)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the epidemiology of canine congenital and primary glaucoma in the cases presented to the University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty (UZH) from 1995 to 2009.

METHODS

Information was obtained from the computer database of patients examined by members of the UZH Ophthalmology Service, between January 1995 and August 2009. Congenital and primary glaucoma was diagnosed based on the age of onset, the lack of evidence of any antecedent eye conditions, and/or the presence and severity of iridocorneal angle defects. The data was evaluated for breed, gender and age at presentation.

RESULTS

A total of 5984 dogs presented to the UZH Ophthalmology service between 1995 and 2009. Four dogs of different breed were diagnosed with congenital glaucoma and 123 dogs were diagnosed with primary glaucoma. For the primary glaucomas the overall male to female ratio (M:F) was 1:1.41 and the age of onset ranged from 0.12 to 18.3 years with a mean of 7.3 ± 3.6 years. Data suggested a predisposition for primary glaucoma in the Siberian Husky, Magyar Vizsla and Newfoundland from 2004 to 2009.

CONCLUSION

The report presents the epidemiology of canine congenital and primary glaucomas presented to the UZH from 1995 to 2009. A previous suspicion of predisposition for primary glaucoma in the Newfoundland dog (n = 6) and the Magyar Vizsla breed (n = 8) was confirmed.