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Tissue plasminogen activator in the trabecular endothelium
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Researchers found significant tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) in the trabecular endothelium, corneal endothelium, and iris of monkey and dog eyes. This TPA presence may influence aqueous humor outflow resistance.
Area of Science:
- Ocular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) is a key enzyme in fibrinolysis.
- Understanding TPA distribution in ocular tissues is crucial for comprehending intraocular fluid dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify TPA levels in specific ocular tissues of dogs and monkeys.
- To investigate the potential role of ocular TPA in regulating aqueous humor outflow.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis using a [125I]fibrin-coated well assay.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure TPA concentrations.
- Analysis performed on trabecular endothelium, corneal endothelium, iris, and aqueous humor.
Main Results:
- Significant TPA activity was detected in the trabecular endothelium, corneal endothelium, and iris of both species.
- TPA levels varied between tissues and species, with iris showing high activity.
- Aqueous humor exhibited low or undetectable TPA activity.
Conclusions:
- The trabecular endothelium, corneal endothelium, and iris are sources of TPA in the eye.
- Ocular TPA may play a role in modulating aqueous outflow resistance in normal and pathological states like hyphema.