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Ivan O Haefliger - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • role of anions in nitric oxide induced short circuit current increase in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes
    Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2004
    Co-Authors: Ke Yao, Josef Flammer, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    PURPOSE To investigate how nitric oxide (NO) modulates short-circuit current (Isc) in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. METHODS Isc changes (Ussing-type chamber) induced either by the NO donors SNP or SIN-1, or by the cGMP analogue 8-pCPT-cGMP were assessed. The effect of inhibitors of guanylate cyclase (10 microM ODQ, 100 microM LY83583), protein kinase G (30 microM Rp-8-pCPT-cGMP, 3 microM KT 5823), protein kinase A (1 microM KT 5720), or protein kinase C (1 microM Go6983) on SNP- or 8-pCPT-cGMP-induced Isc changes were investigated. The effect of inhibitors of anion channel (100 microM niflumic acid, 1 mM DIDS, and 1 mM 9-AC), K+-channel (10 mM TEA, 10 mM BaCl2), Na+-channel blockers (1 mM amiloride), Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter inhibitor (0.5 mM bumetanide), or carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (1 mM acetazolamide) was studied. In Cl(-)- or HCO3(-)-free Krebs-Ringer solution, the effect of SNP- or 8-pCPT-cGMP-induced Isc changes was accessed. RESULTS SNP, SIN-1, or 8-pCPT-cGMP increased Isc with a change in the potential difference that became more negative toward the nonpigmented epithelium (aqueous) side. The Isc increase induced by SNP or SIN-1, but not by 8-pCPT-cGMP, was prevented by ODQ and LY83583. SNP- and 8-pCPT-cGMP-induced Isc increases were prevented by Rp-8-pCPT-cGMP or KT5823 (but not by KT5720 or Go6983), or by niflumic acid, DIDS, 9-AC, or acetazolamide (but not by TEA, BaCl2, amiloride, or bumetanide). The effect of SNP and 8-pCPT-cGMP was abolished in Cl(-)- and reduced in HCO3(-)-free solutions. CONCLUSIONS NO activates a guanylate cyclase-cGMP-protein kinase G pathway that appears to stimulate stroma-to-aqueous anionic transport, possibly Cl-, in porcine Ciliary epithelium.

  • Reduction of nitrite production by endothelin-1 in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes.
    Experimental Eye Research, 2003
    Co-Authors: Josef Flammer, Ke Yao, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    Abstract It has been postulated that endothelin-1 and nitric oxide (NO) could participate in the modulation of aqueous humor dynamic in the eye. This study investigates whether endothelin-1 can reduce the production of nitrite (a stable metabolite of NO) in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. Nitrite production was measured (Griess reaction) in the medium surrounding isolated Ciliary Processes before and after exposure to different drugs. Results are expressed in percent of basal nitrite production. In a concentration-dependent manner (0·1 n m to 1 μ m ), endothelin-1 significantly decreased basal nitrite production (1 μ m : 81·7±3·5%; P m : 95·6±4·3%; P m : 83·3±4·4%; P=0·86) or by the prostaglandin F2α analog unoprostone (30 μ m : 86·7±3·7%; P=0·74). The adenylcyclase activator forskolin significantly increased basal nitrite production (1 μ m : 143·4±3·9%, P m ; 113·9±6·7%: P l -NAME (0·5 m m : 103·3±8·4%: P m : 132·4±5·1%; P m : 112·7±4·1%; P=0·64) or unoprostone (30 μ m : 109·3±4·8%; P=0·98). These results suggest that endothelin-1, through an ETA receptor activation, can reduce both basal and forskolin-induced nitrite production in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes.

  • Forskolin upregulation of NOS I protein expression in porcine Ciliary Processes: a new aspect of aqueous humor regulation.
    Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde, 2002
    Co-Authors: Rong Liu, Josef Flammer, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND To determine whether nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein expression can be modulated by forskolin in porcine Ciliary Processes. METHOD Western blot analysis using mouse monoclonal antibodies against NOS I (neuronal NOS or nNOS), NOS II (macrophage NOS or macNOS), and NOS III (endothelial NOS or eNOS) was performed in porcine Ciliary Processes. Expression of NOS I and II was also assessed in the presence or in the absence of 1 microM forskolin exposure (4 and 24 hours). RESULTS All three NOS isoforms could be detected in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. Protein expression for NOS I was about 6 times higher than for NOS III and 15 times higher than for NOS II. In comparison to controls, after forskolin exposure, NOS I protein expression was increased by about 1.5-fold. No change could be observed in NOS II protein expression after forskolin exposure. CONCLUSIONS Nitric oxide is involved in transepithelial fluid transport of different organs (lung, kidney, colon, etc.) and is suspected to play a role in Ciliary Processes by modulating the aqueous humor production. The present study indicates that forskolin (which increases cAMP production) modulates NOS I protein expression in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. These results suggest that selective inhibition of NOS I could be tried for reducing aqueous humor production. The clinical relevance requires further investigations.

  • Inhibition by brimonidine of forskolin-induced nitrite production in isolated pig Ciliary Processes.
    Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 2002
    Co-Authors: Rong Liu, Josef Flammer, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    PURPOSE To investigate by which mechanism the ocular hypotensive drug brimonidine (selective alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor agonist) inhibits the production of nitrite induced by forskolin in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. METHODS Nitrite (a nitric oxide metabolite) was measured by Griess reaction in the medium surrounding the Ciliary Processes, before and after exposure to different drugs. Tissues were exposed for 120 minutes to forskolin (0.1 microM; an adenylylcyclase activator) or 8-bromo-cAMP (10 microM; a cAMP analogue). Some experiments were conducted in the presence of brimonidine (0.01-10 microM), yohimbine (0.1-10 microM; alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor antagonist), prazosin (10 microM; alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor antagonist), nicergoline (10 microM; an alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor antagonist), propranolol (10 microM; a beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist or beta-blocker), and/or pertussis toxin (2 microg/mL; PTX, a G(i)-protein inhibitor). RESULTS Nitrite production induced by forskolin (133% +/- 6%), but not that induced by 8-bromo-cAMP (133% +/- 6%), was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by brimonidine (10 microM: 103% +/- 4%, P < 0.001; EC(50): 0.05 microM). The inhibitory effect of brimonidine was prevented by PTX (119% +/- 7%, P < 0.01) and, in a concentration-dependent manner, by yohimbine (10 microM: 134% +/- 9%; P < 0.01), but not by prazosin, nicergoline, or propranolol. CONCLUSIONS Reduction of the formation of aqueous humor in the Ciliary body's epithelium (and thus an intraocular pressure decrease) after alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor stimulation by brimonidine is known to be associated with a G(i)-protein-mediated inhibition of adenylylcyclase activity. The present study indicates that, through a similar alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor/G(i)-protein pathway, brimonidine can also inhibit nitrite production after adenylylcyclase activation (forskolin-induced) in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes.

  • brimonidine and inhibition of nitrite production in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes
    Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde, 2001
    Co-Authors: Rong Liu, Josef Flammer, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    Purpose: To investigate whether the α 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist brimonidine (a drug that decreases intraocular pressure in part by reducing aqueous humor production) can inhibit the production of nitrite induced by forskolin in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. Methods: Nitrite (a metabolite of nitric oxide) was measured (Griess reaction) before and two hours after exposure to the adenylcyclase activator forskolin (0.1 μM) in the presence or in the absence of the brimonidine (10 μM) and/or the α 2 -adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine (10 μM). Results: The increase of nitrite production evoked by forskolin (139±9%) was significantly (P<0.01) inhibited by brimonidine (108±6%). The inhibitory effect of brimonidine on the increase of nitrite production induced by forskolin was significantly (P < 0.01) reversed by yohimbine (136 ± 7%). Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that brimonidine inhibits the production of nitrite evoked by forskolin through a mechanism that could involve α 2 -adrenoreceptor activation in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes.

K L King - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • alteration of sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity in rabbit Ciliary Processes by cyclic adenosine monophosphate dependent protein kinase
    Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 1990
    Co-Authors: Nicholas A Delamere, R R Socci, K L King
    Abstract:

    The response of sodium, potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (Na,K-ATPase) to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase was examined in membranes obtained from rabbit iris-Ciliary body. In the presence of the protein kinase together with 10(-5) M cAMP, Na,K-ATPase activity was reduced. No change in Na,K-ATPase activity was detected in response to the protein kinase without added cAMP. Likewise cAMP alone did not alter Na,K-ATPase activity. Reduction of Na,K-ATPase activity was also observed in the presence of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit. The response of the enzyme to the kinase catalytic subunit was also examined in membranes obtained from rabbit Ciliary Processes. In the presence of 8 micrograms/ml of the catalytic subunit, Ciliary process Na,K-ATPase activity was reduced by more than 50%. To examine whether other ATPases were suppressed by the protein kinase, calcium-stimulated ATPase activity was examined; its activity was stimulated by the catalytic subunit. To test whether the response of the Ciliary process Na,K-ATPase is unique, experiments were also performed using membrane preparations from rabbit lens epithelium or rabbit kidney; the catalytic subunit significantly reduced the activity of Na,K-ATPase from the kidney but not the lens. These Na,K-ATPase studies suggest that in the iris-Ciliary body, cAMP may alter sodium pumpmore » activity. In parallel 86Rb uptake studies, we observed that ouabain-inhibitable potassium uptake by intact pieces of iris-Ciliary body was reduced by exogenous dibutryl cAMP or by forskolin.« less

Olav Oyvind Pedersen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • protein diffusion barriers in the anterior uvea of the rabbit eye
    Acta Ophthalmologica, 2009
    Co-Authors: Olav Oyvind Pedersen, Asbjorn M Tonjum
    Abstract:

    The distribution in the anterior uvea of the protein tracer horseradish peroxidase, has been studied in eyes of albino rabbits. The tracer was injected intravenously 30 or 60 min before enucleation. Light microscopy of frozen sections and of semithin sections of Epon-embedded material revealed: 1. The stroma of the iridial and Ciliary Processes, and the choroid contained considerable amounts of peroxidase reaction product. 2. In the iris and the Ciliary body apart from the Processes (the Ciliary body base), the peroxidase reaction product was confined to the vessels. 3. A sharp demarcation of peroxidase activity was observed between the iridial Processes and the iris stroma, and between the Ciliary Processes and the Ciliary body base. By electron microscopy, peroxidase reaction product was found in the vessels and the stroma of the Ciliary Processes. In the Ciliary body base, reaction product was found within the vessels, but not in the stroma. The endothelium of these vessels had no fenestrations, and there was no sign of passage of peroxidase across the endothelium either by the interendothelial clefts or by vesicular transport. The study indicates that there is a functional barrier against diffusion of proteins from the iridial and Ciliary Processes across the iris and the Ciliary body base.

  • Electron microscopic studies on the blood-aqueous barrier of prostaglandin-treated rabbit eyes. I. Iridial and Ciliary Processes.
    Acta Ophthalmologica, 2009
    Co-Authors: Olav Oyvind Pedersen
    Abstract:

    Prostaglandins E1 and E2 were applied topically to rabbit eyes. Structures related to the blood-aqueous barrier in the iridial and Ciliary Processes, as well as the permeability of the Ciliary epithelium to the protein tracer horseradish peroxidase, were studied with the electron microscope. Marked morphological changes, including dilations of the intercellular spaces and separation of the two epithelial cell layers, were found in the epithelium of the iridial Processes. Only minor structural changes were found in the epithelium of the Ciliary Processes. Leakage of peroxidase through the intercellular spaces of the epithelium was demonstrated in the iridial Processes and in the anterior parts of the Ciliary Processes. In the Ciliary vessels of the same regions, opening of interendothelial gaps, platelet aggregations, microthrombi, and haemorrhages were found. In a previous in vitro study on the effects of prostaglandins on the movement of peroxidase in the Ciliary epithelium, no structural changes of the epithelium were found, and the epithelial diffusion barrier to peroxidase was found to be intact. It is assumed that the breakdown of this barrier in vivo is secondary to vascular changes.

Josef Flammer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • role of anions in nitric oxide induced short circuit current increase in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes
    Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2004
    Co-Authors: Ke Yao, Josef Flammer, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    PURPOSE To investigate how nitric oxide (NO) modulates short-circuit current (Isc) in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. METHODS Isc changes (Ussing-type chamber) induced either by the NO donors SNP or SIN-1, or by the cGMP analogue 8-pCPT-cGMP were assessed. The effect of inhibitors of guanylate cyclase (10 microM ODQ, 100 microM LY83583), protein kinase G (30 microM Rp-8-pCPT-cGMP, 3 microM KT 5823), protein kinase A (1 microM KT 5720), or protein kinase C (1 microM Go6983) on SNP- or 8-pCPT-cGMP-induced Isc changes were investigated. The effect of inhibitors of anion channel (100 microM niflumic acid, 1 mM DIDS, and 1 mM 9-AC), K+-channel (10 mM TEA, 10 mM BaCl2), Na+-channel blockers (1 mM amiloride), Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter inhibitor (0.5 mM bumetanide), or carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (1 mM acetazolamide) was studied. In Cl(-)- or HCO3(-)-free Krebs-Ringer solution, the effect of SNP- or 8-pCPT-cGMP-induced Isc changes was accessed. RESULTS SNP, SIN-1, or 8-pCPT-cGMP increased Isc with a change in the potential difference that became more negative toward the nonpigmented epithelium (aqueous) side. The Isc increase induced by SNP or SIN-1, but not by 8-pCPT-cGMP, was prevented by ODQ and LY83583. SNP- and 8-pCPT-cGMP-induced Isc increases were prevented by Rp-8-pCPT-cGMP or KT5823 (but not by KT5720 or Go6983), or by niflumic acid, DIDS, 9-AC, or acetazolamide (but not by TEA, BaCl2, amiloride, or bumetanide). The effect of SNP and 8-pCPT-cGMP was abolished in Cl(-)- and reduced in HCO3(-)-free solutions. CONCLUSIONS NO activates a guanylate cyclase-cGMP-protein kinase G pathway that appears to stimulate stroma-to-aqueous anionic transport, possibly Cl-, in porcine Ciliary epithelium.

  • Reduction of nitrite production by endothelin-1 in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes.
    Experimental Eye Research, 2003
    Co-Authors: Josef Flammer, Ke Yao, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    Abstract It has been postulated that endothelin-1 and nitric oxide (NO) could participate in the modulation of aqueous humor dynamic in the eye. This study investigates whether endothelin-1 can reduce the production of nitrite (a stable metabolite of NO) in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. Nitrite production was measured (Griess reaction) in the medium surrounding isolated Ciliary Processes before and after exposure to different drugs. Results are expressed in percent of basal nitrite production. In a concentration-dependent manner (0·1 n m to 1 μ m ), endothelin-1 significantly decreased basal nitrite production (1 μ m : 81·7±3·5%; P m : 95·6±4·3%; P m : 83·3±4·4%; P=0·86) or by the prostaglandin F2α analog unoprostone (30 μ m : 86·7±3·7%; P=0·74). The adenylcyclase activator forskolin significantly increased basal nitrite production (1 μ m : 143·4±3·9%, P m ; 113·9±6·7%: P l -NAME (0·5 m m : 103·3±8·4%: P m : 132·4±5·1%; P m : 112·7±4·1%; P=0·64) or unoprostone (30 μ m : 109·3±4·8%; P=0·98). These results suggest that endothelin-1, through an ETA receptor activation, can reduce both basal and forskolin-induced nitrite production in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes.

  • Forskolin upregulation of NOS I protein expression in porcine Ciliary Processes: a new aspect of aqueous humor regulation.
    Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde, 2002
    Co-Authors: Rong Liu, Josef Flammer, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND To determine whether nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein expression can be modulated by forskolin in porcine Ciliary Processes. METHOD Western blot analysis using mouse monoclonal antibodies against NOS I (neuronal NOS or nNOS), NOS II (macrophage NOS or macNOS), and NOS III (endothelial NOS or eNOS) was performed in porcine Ciliary Processes. Expression of NOS I and II was also assessed in the presence or in the absence of 1 microM forskolin exposure (4 and 24 hours). RESULTS All three NOS isoforms could be detected in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. Protein expression for NOS I was about 6 times higher than for NOS III and 15 times higher than for NOS II. In comparison to controls, after forskolin exposure, NOS I protein expression was increased by about 1.5-fold. No change could be observed in NOS II protein expression after forskolin exposure. CONCLUSIONS Nitric oxide is involved in transepithelial fluid transport of different organs (lung, kidney, colon, etc.) and is suspected to play a role in Ciliary Processes by modulating the aqueous humor production. The present study indicates that forskolin (which increases cAMP production) modulates NOS I protein expression in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. These results suggest that selective inhibition of NOS I could be tried for reducing aqueous humor production. The clinical relevance requires further investigations.

  • Inhibition by brimonidine of forskolin-induced nitrite production in isolated pig Ciliary Processes.
    Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 2002
    Co-Authors: Rong Liu, Josef Flammer, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    PURPOSE To investigate by which mechanism the ocular hypotensive drug brimonidine (selective alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor agonist) inhibits the production of nitrite induced by forskolin in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. METHODS Nitrite (a nitric oxide metabolite) was measured by Griess reaction in the medium surrounding the Ciliary Processes, before and after exposure to different drugs. Tissues were exposed for 120 minutes to forskolin (0.1 microM; an adenylylcyclase activator) or 8-bromo-cAMP (10 microM; a cAMP analogue). Some experiments were conducted in the presence of brimonidine (0.01-10 microM), yohimbine (0.1-10 microM; alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor antagonist), prazosin (10 microM; alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor antagonist), nicergoline (10 microM; an alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor antagonist), propranolol (10 microM; a beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist or beta-blocker), and/or pertussis toxin (2 microg/mL; PTX, a G(i)-protein inhibitor). RESULTS Nitrite production induced by forskolin (133% +/- 6%), but not that induced by 8-bromo-cAMP (133% +/- 6%), was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by brimonidine (10 microM: 103% +/- 4%, P < 0.001; EC(50): 0.05 microM). The inhibitory effect of brimonidine was prevented by PTX (119% +/- 7%, P < 0.01) and, in a concentration-dependent manner, by yohimbine (10 microM: 134% +/- 9%; P < 0.01), but not by prazosin, nicergoline, or propranolol. CONCLUSIONS Reduction of the formation of aqueous humor in the Ciliary body's epithelium (and thus an intraocular pressure decrease) after alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor stimulation by brimonidine is known to be associated with a G(i)-protein-mediated inhibition of adenylylcyclase activity. The present study indicates that, through a similar alpha(2)-adrenoreceptor/G(i)-protein pathway, brimonidine can also inhibit nitrite production after adenylylcyclase activation (forskolin-induced) in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes.

  • brimonidine and inhibition of nitrite production in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes
    Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde, 2001
    Co-Authors: Rong Liu, Josef Flammer, Ivan O Haefliger
    Abstract:

    Purpose: To investigate whether the α 2 -adrenoreceptor agonist brimonidine (a drug that decreases intraocular pressure in part by reducing aqueous humor production) can inhibit the production of nitrite induced by forskolin in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes. Methods: Nitrite (a metabolite of nitric oxide) was measured (Griess reaction) before and two hours after exposure to the adenylcyclase activator forskolin (0.1 μM) in the presence or in the absence of the brimonidine (10 μM) and/or the α 2 -adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine (10 μM). Results: The increase of nitrite production evoked by forskolin (139±9%) was significantly (P<0.01) inhibited by brimonidine (108±6%). The inhibitory effect of brimonidine on the increase of nitrite production induced by forskolin was significantly (P < 0.01) reversed by yohimbine (136 ± 7%). Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that brimonidine inhibits the production of nitrite evoked by forskolin through a mechanism that could involve α 2 -adrenoreceptor activation in isolated porcine Ciliary Processes.

Roberto Freire Santiago Malta - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • long Ciliary Processes with no Ciliary sulcus and appositional angle closure assessed by ultrasound biomicroscopy
    Journal of Glaucoma, 2006
    Co-Authors: Lisandro Massanori Sakata, Kenji Sakata, Remo Susanna, Viviane Mayumi Sakata, Marcelo Hatanaka, Luisa Trancoso, Julio De Leon Ortega, Roberto Freire Santiago Malta
    Abstract:

    PURPOSE Nonpupil block mechanisms and appositional angle closure after laser iridotomy (LI) have been reported as common findings in Asians. We evaluated the presence of these findings in a cohort of Brazilian patients using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). METHODS This observational case-control study included 22 open angle eyes and 31 eyes with occludable angles on gonioscopy (defined by 2 examiners). UBM radial scans through a typical Ciliary process were obtained in both light and dark conditions, at 6 and 12-o'clock positions. Long Ciliary Processes with no Ciliary sulcus were determined on the basis of a reference line drawn perpendicular to the iris plane passing through a point located 750 mum from scleral spur. Trabecular Ciliary Processes distance was measured on 6-o'clock UBM images. RESULTS After LI, 52% of occludable angle eyes had appositional angle closure in both 6 and 12-o'clock UBM images. We also observed this finding in 14% and 23% of the control eyes (in 6 and 12-o'clock UBM images, respectively). A long Ciliary process with no Ciliary sulcus was observed in 61% of occludable angle eyes, and also in 32% of control eyes (6-o'clock UBM images). Control eyes had longer trabecular Ciliary Processes distance than occludable angle eyes (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The UBM finding of long Ciliary Processes associated with the absence of Ciliary sulcus is not necessarily related to an anterior positioning of the Ciliary Processes. Whether UBM appositional angle closure after LI is associated with further angle closure process and/or poor intra-ocular pressure control remains to be evaluated.

  • Long Ciliary Processes with no Ciliary sulcus and appositional angle closure assessed by ultrasound biomicroscopy.
    Journal of Glaucoma, 2006
    Co-Authors: Lisandro Massanori Sakata, Kenji Sakata, Remo Susanna, Viviane Mayumi Sakata, Marcelo Hatanaka, Luisa Trancoso, Julio De Leon Ortega, Roberto Freire Santiago Malta
    Abstract:

    PURPOSE Nonpupil block mechanisms and appositional angle closure after laser iridotomy (LI) have been reported as common findings in Asians. We evaluated the presence of these findings in a cohort of Brazilian patients using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). METHODS This observational case-control study included 22 open angle eyes and 31 eyes with occludable angles on gonioscopy (defined by 2 examiners). UBM radial scans through a typical Ciliary process were obtained in both light and dark conditions, at 6 and 12-o'clock positions. Long Ciliary Processes with no Ciliary sulcus were determined on the basis of a reference line drawn perpendicular to the iris plane passing through a point located 750 mum from scleral spur. Trabecular Ciliary Processes distance was measured on 6-o'clock UBM images. RESULTS After LI, 52% of occludable angle eyes had appositional angle closure in both 6 and 12-o'clock UBM images. We also observed this finding in 14% and 23% of the control eyes (in 6 and 12-o'clock UBM images, respectively). A long Ciliary process with no Ciliary sulcus was observed in 61% of occludable angle eyes, and also in 32% of control eyes (6-o'clock UBM images). Control eyes had longer trabecular Ciliary Processes distance than occludable angle eyes (P