Slow axonal transport in primate experimental glaucoma

Axonal transport abnormality has been reported to be deeply related to glaucomatous optic nerve injury. These reports mainly investigate the axonal transport blockage using the model of acute elevation of intraocular pressure in normal primates. We studied such axonal transport abnormality especially of slow flow in laser-induced glaucomatous monkey eyes by tissue autoradiography. Abnormal silver grain accumulation suggesting axonal transport damage was seen in the areas of distorted lamina cribrosa in glaucomatous eyes. Accumulation of grains was also seen in the retro-laminar optic nerve in some areas. Normal control eyes showed almost homogenous grain distribution in the pre-lamina, lamina and post-lamina areas. Areas of slightly elevated, accumulation of grains were seen around the lamina cribrosa and disc margin suggesting physiological blockage of axonal transport.