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Melatonin receptor expression in the cornea and sclera
Allan F Wiechmann1, Jody A Rada
1Department of Cell Biology, Health Sciences Center, University of Oklahoma, PO Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA. allan-wiechmann@ouhsc.edu
Experimental Eye Research
|July 23, 2003
Summary
Melatonin receptors Mel1a and Mel1c are present in the frog cornea and sclera. This suggests melatonin may influence the growth and development of these ocular tissues.
Area of Science:
- Ocular biology
- Endocrinology
- Cellular physiology
Background:
- Cornea and sclera exhibit circadian rhythms in cellular processes.
- Melatonin's potential role in ocular tissue growth is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of melatonin Mel1a and Mel1c receptors in the Xenopus laevis cornea and sclera.
- To determine if melatonin influences ocular tissue growth and development.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy on adult Xenopus laevis eye sections.
- Utilized antibodies against Xenopus Mel1a and Mel1c receptor proteins.
- Controlled for non-specific labeling using antigenic peptides.
Main Results:
- Mel1a and Mel1c receptors found in the sclera's outer and inner fibrous layers, with Mel1c being more prominent.
- Chondrocytes in the cartilaginous layer expressed Mel1a and/or Mel1c receptors.
- Both receptors detected in corneal epithelium and endothelium; Mel1a in the entire epithelium, Mel1c in the superficial layer.
- Corneal stromal fibroblasts showed immunoreactivity for Mel1a or Mel1c receptors.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin Mel1a and Mel1c receptors are localized within the Xenopus cornea and sclera.
- The specific distribution suggests melatonin may regulate cellular functions in these ocular tissues.