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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.06.25.734608

Intravital imaging of age-related conjunctival lymphatic changes on the ocular surface

Yang, Y.·Shen, L.·Luna, E. C.·Zhou, L. Y.·Espino, P. C. H.·Li, G.·Chen, L.
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Abstract

PurposeLymphatic system plays a critical role in fluid regulation and immune response. The conjunctiva of the ocular surface is endowed with a rich lymphatic network, and it provides an ideal site to study lymphatic structure and function. The purpose of this study is to investigate potential morphological and functional changes of conjunctival lymphatics with aging, a time-dependent biological deterioration process. MethodsYoung and aged fluorescently labeled transgenic mice of Prox-1, the master control gene for lymphatic determination, were used in the study. For morphological assessment, conjunctival lymphatic vessels were examined in vivo by our advanced live imaging system. For functional analysis, lymphatic drainage efficiencies were measured by fluorescently labeled tracer injection. ResultsCompared to young mice, both vascular branching points and intraluminal valves were significantly reduced in conjunctival lymphatic vessels of aged mice. Moreover, lymphatic functional deterioration and drainage deficiencies, such as fluid leakage and reflux, were also detected in the aged condition. ConclusionsConjunctival lymphatic system undergoes morphological as well as functional changes with aging. Further investigation into this phenomenon may provide novel insights into lymphatic and age-related diseases inside and outside the eye.

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Yang, Y., Shen, L., Luna, E. C., Zhou, L. Y., Espino, P. C. H., Li, G., Chen, L.. 2026-06-30. Intravital imaging of age-related conjunctival lymphatic changes on the ocular surface. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.06.25.734608

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