CHEMISTRY OF THE VITREOUS HUMOR

Abstract

The chief proteins of the vitreous humor are residual protein, mucoid, globulin and albumin. The other proteins, such as peptones, which have been detected in the vitreous humor are small in molecular size. So far, these undetermined proteins have proved to be insignificant. The globulin and albumin are identical with the serum globulin and albumin, but the mucoid and residual protein are peculiar to the vitreous humor. Since the mucoid and residual protein are the proteins essential to the maintenance of the form of the vitreous humor, the study of their chemical composition will aid in the correlation of the physiology and pathology of the vitreous humor. It is for this reason that the chemical composition of these proteins is reported. MATERIAL AND METHODS The vitreous humor was removed from the eyes of an ox immediately after slaughter and chilled at once. All foreign substances, such as pigment, were