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Phagocytosis of latex microspheres by bovine meshwork cells in culture
Abstract:
The ability of cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells to phagocytose latex microspheres was studied by electron microscopy. In addition, the incorporation of 125I gamma-globulin-coated microspheres by the meshwork cells was monitored. The cultured cells, on the basis of quantitation by scanning electron microscopy, did not show significant preference between biotic particles (gamma-globulin-coated microspheres) and abiotic particles (uncoated microspheres). Surface microvilli appeared to be involved in the initial stages of phagocytosis; indeed a significant negative correlation was demonstrated between the incidence of microvilli and the commitment to phagocytosis of preconfluent cells. Two weeks postconfluent cells were shown to be significantly less phagocytic than preconfluent cells. The importance of these findings in terms of the behaviour of meshwork cells in vivo is discussed.
Insights
Cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells phagocytose both coated and uncoated microspheres, with microvilli aiding initial uptake. Cell phagocytic activity decreases with increased confluency.
Area of Science:
- Ocular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells play a crucial role in maintaining intraocular pressure.
- Phagocytosis by TM cells is a potential mechanism for clearing debris within the anterior chamber.
- Understanding TM cell phagocytic capacity is vital for glaucoma research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phagocytic capabilities of cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells.
- To determine if TM cells exhibit a preference for biotic versus abiotic particles.
- To explore the role of surface microvilli and cell confluency in TM cell phagocytosis.
Main Methods:
- Cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells were utilized.
- Phagocytosis of latex microspheres (uncoated and gamma-globulin-coated) was assessed.
- Electron microscopy (including scanning electron microscopy) was employed for quantitation.
- The influence of cell confluency and microvilli presence was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Trabecular meshwork cells showed no significant preference between biotic (gamma-globulin-coated) and abiotic (uncoated) microspheres.
- Surface microvilli were implicated in the initial stages of phagocytosis.
- A negative correlation existed between microvilli incidence and phagocytosis in preconfluent cells.
- Postconfluent cells (two weeks) exhibited significantly reduced phagocytic activity compared to preconfluent cells.
Conclusions:
- Cultured bovine TM cells are capable of phagocytosing various particles without significant preference.
- Cellular morphology, specifically microvilli, and confluency influence phagocytic function.
- These findings provide insights into the in vivo behavior and debris clearance mechanisms of TM cells.