Ryan Pedrigi

Whitaker International Scholar, 2009-11

Home Institution: Texas A&M University

Host Country, Institution: United Kingdom, Imperial College London

Project Title: Endothelial Biomechanics as a Basis for Elevated Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma

Project Abstract:

Increased aqueous humor outflow resistance is responsible for elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma, but no clinical therapy currently targets outflow resistance and little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Evidence suggests that Schlemm's canal endothelial (SCE) cells, through which aqueous must flow to exit the eye, regulate outflow by undergoing unique deformations that lead to the formation of transendothelial pores. Through indentation testing and a unique in vitro perfusion/microscopy system, we will study the hypothesis that increased biomechanical stiffness of SCE cells leads to their inability to deform, form pores, and, thus, increases outflow resistance in glaucoma.