Hydrocortisone-induced DNA endoreplication in human trabecular cells in vitro

Area of Science:

• Ocular biology
• Cell biology
• Glaucoma research

Background:

• The trabecular meshwork (TM) is crucial for regulating intraocular pressure.
• Glucocorticoids, like hydrocortisone, are known to affect TM cell function.
• Understanding TM cell responses to hydrocortisone is vital for glaucoma pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of hydrocortisone on human trabecular meshwork cell cultures.
• To analyze changes in nuclear size, cytoplasmic volume, and DNA content in response to hydrocortisone.
• To explore the potential link between hydrocortisone-induced cellular changes and glaucoma.

Main Methods:

• Primary monolayer and organ cultures of human trabecular meshwork cells were used.
• Cells were exposed to varying concentrations of hydrocortisone (10(-4) M to 10(-6) M) for up to 4 weeks.
• Phase-contrast microscopy and Feulgen microdensitometry were employed to assess cellular morphology and DNA content.

Main Results:

• Hydrocortisone treatment increased nuclear size and cytoplasmic extent in TM cells.
• Vesicular structures accumulated in the cytoplasm of treated cells.
• Hydrocortisone exposure induced a significant shift towards polyploidy, with a 36% average increase in DNA content per nucleus.

Conclusions:

• Hydrocortisone significantly alters human trabecular meshwork cell morphology and induces polyploidy.
• These cellular changes may contribute to the development or progression of glaucoma.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking hydrocortisone-induced polyploidy to glaucoma.