Chemical studies on Descemet's membrane of the bovine cornea

Biological Functions of Collagen

“…I n this membrane a collagenous material is organised in three dimensions in a regular form distinct from any other type of collagen (Plate I, Fig. 4, Jakus, 1956;Dohlman & Balazs, 1955).…”

Fine Structure and Collagen Synthesis Activity of Monolayer Cultures of Rabbit Corneal Endothelium

“…The apical free surface of these cells faces the anterior chamber and the basal surface rests on an unusually thick basement lamina, Descemet's membrane. This membrane is collagenous (1,6,11,12) and is believed to be secreted by the endothelial cells (6,13,18). These cells form the primary barrier across which metabolic substrates enter and waste products leave the cornea (19,23), and are believed to be responsible for the active transport processes by which the adult cornea maintains its normal hydration state (8, 14,…”

Studies on the Cornea. Ii. The Fine Structure of Descemet's Membrane

“…On the basis of chemical analyses, Dohlman and Balazs (9) stated that the bulk of the organic material of beef Descemet's membrane is collagen. Comparing this tissue with beef corneal stroma, however, they found that the polysaccharides were different in type and were present in a lower concentration in Descemet's membrane, and that the solubility and swelling characteristics of the two tissues were different, Descemet's membrane being much more resistant than the stroma.…”