A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of the Basal Surface of the Corneal Endothelium and the Stromal and Endothelial Surfaces of Descemet's Membrane in Rats

The basal surface of the corneal endothelium and the stromal and endothelial surfaces of Descemet's membrane in rats were studied by scanning electron microscopy. We compared the fine structures of the two surfaces of Descemet's membrane both after sputter-coating with platinum and without sputter-coating. Fine structures were made clearly visible without metal coating by heating specimens to 300°C during observation. After sputter-coating, both surfaces of Descemet's membrane were composed of granular substances, but their sizes were larger on the stromal side than on the endothelial side. Both surfaces of Descemet's membrane observed without sputter-coating were composed of fine fibrous structures showing a felt-like appearance, but their diameters were thicker on the stromal surface. These results may reflect a difference in collagen types between the two surfaces of Descemet's membrane.