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Lysosomal enzyme activities in cultured trabecular-meshwork cells
B Y Yue1, V M Elner, S G Elner
1Department of Ophthalmology, Lions of Illinois Eye Research Institute, University of Illinois, Chicago 60612.
Experimental Eye Research
|June 1, 1987
Summary
Trabecular meshwork cells in culture exhibit significant lysosomal enzyme activity, including acid lipase and acid phosphatase. Phagocytic challenges enhance these enzyme levels, indicating active cellular uptake and modulation.
Area of Science:
- Ocular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Trabecular meshwork cells play a crucial role in maintaining intraocular pressure.
- Understanding the cellular functions of trabecular meshwork cells is vital for glaucoma research.
- Lysosomal enzymes are involved in cellular degradation and homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of lysosomal enzymes in cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells.
- To determine if phagocytic challenges influence lysosomal enzyme levels in these cells.
- To assess the phagocytic capacity of trabecular meshwork cells in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical staining for acid lipase, acid phosphatase, and acid esterase.
- Incubation of cells with phagocytic challenges (latex microspheres, zymosan particles).
- Biochemical assays to quantify enzyme activities (acid lipase, cholesteryl esterase, acid esterase).
Main Results:
- Bovine trabecular meshwork cells demonstrated prominent staining for key lysosomal enzymes.
- Phagocytic challenges led to enhanced lysosomal enzyme staining and evident particle uptake.
- Biochemical assays confirmed the histochemical findings regarding enzyme levels.
Conclusions:
- Cultured trabecular meshwork cells are actively phagocytic.
- Lysosomal enzyme levels in trabecular meshwork cells can be modulated by phagocytic activity.
- These findings contribute to understanding the functional role of trabecular meshwork cells in ocular health.