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Expression of androgen receptor in mouse eye tissues
M Tachibana1, Y Kobayashi, T Kasukabe
1Research Institute, Saitama Cancer Center, Japan. mtachiba@cancer-c.pref.saitama.jp
Purpose:
To test the possibility that androgen directly affects the corneal cells, the possible occurrence of androgen receptor (AR) in the cornea and other eye tissues of mice was examined.
Methods:
To examine the occurrence of AR protein in the mouse eye tissues, an immunocytochemical method was used. To examine the occurrence of AR mRNA in the cornea and lens, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used.
Results:
Immunocytochemical examination revealed that antigenicity for AR antibody exists in cell nuclei of cornea, lens, iris, and ciliary body of both male and female mice. RT-PCR revealed that mRNA of AR occurs in the cornea and lens of both male and female mice.
Conclusions:
It is concluded that AR occurs in cells of cornea, lens, iris, and ciliary body of the mouse eye. Androgen may affect cells in these tissues directly through interaction with AR.
Insights
Androgen receptors (AR) are present in mouse eye tissues, including the cornea and lens. This suggests androgens may directly influence these ocular cells via AR signaling.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Androgens are known to influence various physiological processes.
- The role of androgens in ocular tissues is not fully understood.
- Investigating androgen receptors in the eye may reveal new therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if androgen receptors (AR) are present in mouse corneal and ocular tissues.
- To investigate the potential for direct androgen action on corneal cells.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was employed to detect AR protein in ocular tissues.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to identify AR mRNA in the cornea and lens.
Main Results:
- AR protein was detected in the cell nuclei of the cornea, lens, iris, and ciliary body in both male and female mice.
- AR mRNA was found in the cornea and lens of both sexes, confirming gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Androgen receptors are confirmed to be present in multiple mouse eye tissues.
- The presence of AR suggests that androgens can directly impact ocular cells, including the cornea and lens.