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Cultured trabecular-meshwork cells: immunohistochemical and lectin-binding characteristics
A Kurosawa1, V M Elner, B Y Yue
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago 60612.
Experimental Eye Research
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Cultured monkey and bovine trabecular-meshwork cells form extracellular matrix containing fibronectin, type IV collagen, and laminin. These cells also bind specific lectins like Con A, WGA, and PHA on their surfaces and internally.
Area of Science:
- Ocular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Extracellular Matrix Research
Background:
- Trabecular meshwork cells are crucial for maintaining intraocular pressure.
- Understanding their extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell-surface properties is vital for glaucoma research.
- Previous studies have focused on structural aspects, but lectin-binding properties require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extracellular matrix composition of cultured trabecular meshwork cells from cynomolgus monkeys and cattle.
- To characterize the cell-surface and intracellular lectin-binding properties of these cells.
- To correlate ECM formation with cell aggregation and anatomical structures.
Main Methods:
- Cultured trabecular meshwork cells from monkey and bovine eyes were utilized.
- Avidin-biotin complex method was employed for immunofluorescence staining of ECM components.
- Eight biotinylated lectins (Con A, PNA, RCA, DBA, SBA, PHA, WGA, UEA I) were used to assess cell-surface and intracellular binding.
Main Results:
- Both monkey and bovine trabecular meshwork cells exhibited positive staining for fibronectin, type IV collagen, and laminin in their ECM.
- These ECM components were particularly prominent in aggregated monkey trabecular meshwork cells.
- Positive cell-surface and intracellular lectin binding was observed with concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA).
- Moderate binding was seen with Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA), while peanut agglutinin (PNA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), soy bean agglutinin (SBA), and Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA I) showed no significant binding.
Conclusions:
- Cultured trabecular meshwork cells synthesize key ECM proteins, including fibronectin, type IV collagen, and laminin.
- The lectin-binding profile indicates specific carbohydrate structures on the cell surface and intracellularly, with Con A, WGA, and PHA being significant.
- These findings contribute to understanding the cellular and matrix characteristics of trabecular meshwork, relevant for ocular research.