Eyelid lymphatics I: histochemical comparisons between the monkey and human

• Published in: Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery Vol. 18; no. 1; p. 18
• Main Authors: Cook, Jr, Briggs E, Lucarelli, Mark J, Lemke, Bradley N, Dortzbach, Richard K, Kaufman, Paul L, Forrest, Lisa, Greene, Eric, Gabelt, B'Ann T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2002
• Subjects: 5'-Nucleotidase; Animals; Eyelids - anatomy & histology; Humans; Lymphatic System - anatomy & histology; Lymphatic System - cytology; Macaca fascicularis; Staining and Labeling - methods
• ISSN: 0740-9303
• DOI: 10.1097/00002341-200201000-00004

To study the lymphatic drainage of the cynomolgus monkey and human eyelid and periocular tissue by means of histochemistry. Eyelid and periocular tissue from three cynomolgus monkeys undergoing sacrifice for glaucoma and retina research purposes and discarded tissue from a wedge resection of one human eyelid were used for histochemical analysis. Lymphatic capillaries were distinguished histochemically in monkey and human eyelids by light microscopy with a 5'-nucleotidase (5'-Nase) staining method. Identification of lymphatic vessels was based on strict morphologic criteria combined with specific 5'-Nase staining. Histochemical analysis with 5'-nucleotidase revealed a subcutaneous and pretarsal lymphatic plexus in both the human and monkey. Histochemical results demonstrate similar lymphatic plexi in the monkey and human. Future studies will help to clarify the lymphatic drainage pathways of monkey and human eyelids.