The post-mortem vacuoles of Schlemm's canal

Abstract

A two-part study was conducted in which post-mortem changes were investigated in the baboon outflow system. It was found that the meshwork cells closest to the chamber angle were particularly susceptible to post-mortem advance. Post-mortem vacuoles developed in the endothelium of Schlemm's canal and by light microscopy these structures could be mistaken for giant vacuoles. On the other hand it was shown by electron microscopy that the giant vacuoles which have been implicated in the transendothelial transfer of aqueous humour and post-mortem vacuoles were distinct and separate entities.