Electron Microscopy of the Canine Corneal Basement Membranes

The purpose of this study was to characterize the surface topographical features of the epithelial and endothelial (Descemet’s) basement membranes of the canine cornea. Corneas were obtained from young, healthy dogs (<2 years old) with no history or evidence of previous ocular disease. The epithelium and endothelium was carefully removed preserving the anterior and posterior basement membranes. The specimens were examined by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The epithelial and endothelial basement membrane surface topography is an intricate meshwork of pores and fibers measuring in the nanometer size range. The features of the endothelial basement membrane overall are smaller in size than the epithelial basement membrane. These surface topographical features may incite changes in epithelial and endothelial cell behavior.