Background and objective: The purpose of the current study is to investigate in vivo microstructures of anterior segments of normal murine eyes by new-generation in vivo laser confocal microscopy.
Materials and methods: Twenty-six corneas and lenses from 13 mice were analyzed by in vivo laser confocal microscopy.
Results: Murine corneal superficial cells formed a polygonal cell pattern, with a mean cell density of 577 +/- 115 cells/mm2 (mean +/- standard deviation). Corneal basal epithelial cells had dark cytoplasm and were closely organized (9,312 +/- 1,777 cells/mm2). Sub-basal nerve fiber bundles were arranged in a whorl pattern, with both clockwise and counter-clockwise patterns. In the stroma, keratocytes were observed as numerous reflective stellate structures. The endothelial cells were organized in a honeycomb pattern (2,463 +/- 292 cells/mm2). Deeper inside the eye, murine lens epithelial cells were organized in a regular pattern (4,168 +/- 636 cells/mm2) and numerous lens fibers were observed.
Conclusion: In vivo laser confocal microscopy can provide high-resolution images of all corneal layers and lens structures of mice without sacrificing animals or tissue preparation.