Fig. 5

The main and alternate routes of leukocyte trafficking to the lens. A DAPI positive nuclei of migrating cells in the posterior part of the eye, and on the surface of the lens (arrowheads). B H&E staining of lenses in advanced cataract show retinal vessel dilation (arrow), and cell infiltration. C H&E staining of the eye of a normal animal shows intact lens and retina. D Retinal flatmount of normal eyes showed no CD68 positive staining in the pre-optic nerve conical structure, whereas E in eyes of diabetic animals with advanced cataract a significant number of CD68 positive cells were observed in the same structure, and F at higher magnification. This suggests an as of yet undescribed role for this pre retinal tissue as a launch pad for immune cells into the posterior chamber of the eye. G Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina of a two month old non diabetic NGR, showing no cells in the vitreous. H Same NGR after LPS treatment, arrow heads, migrating leukocytes through the posterior chamber, and I IHC of the same eye showing the transmigrating leukocytes (arrow heads) in the vitreous body. J Firm adhesion of a leukocyte in a micro vessel of the ciliary body, K transmigration of the leukocyte through the epithelial bilayer of the ciliary body, L its passage through the zonular space, M adhesion to the lens capsule, and N accumulation of several leukocytes at Schlemm’s canal, presumably as prelude to exiting the eye. O Schematic overview of our proposed main and alternate routes of immune cell trafficking through the eye