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Localization of thrombomodulin in a rabbit eye
H Kawamura1, Y Hiramatsu, I Watanabe
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan.
Current Eye Research
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Thrombomodulin, an anticoagulant factor, was found in rabbit eye blood vessels and the aqueous drainage system. This suggests a role in maintaining blood fluidity and fluid outflow in the eye.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Thrombomodulin is a crucial anticoagulant protein.
- Its distribution in the eye is not fully understood.
- Understanding its localization can inform ocular health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of thrombomodulin within the rabbit eye.
- To identify specific ocular tissues expressing thrombomodulin.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining was performed on excised adult rabbit eyes.
- A polyclonal anti-rabbit thrombomodulin antibody and the streptavidin-biotin method were utilized.
- Intense staining was achieved to visualize thrombomodulin localization.
Main Results:
- Positive linear staining for thrombomodulin was observed in the endothelium of chorioretinal vessels.
- Granular staining was present in the ciliary non-pigmented epithelium, while the pigmented epithelium was negative.
- Thrombomodulin was also detected in the trabecular plexus endothelium and weakly in the ciliary body vascular endothelium.
Conclusions:
- Thrombomodulin in ocular vessel walls and the aqueous drainage apparatus likely maintains normal blood fluidity and aqueous humor outflow.
- The function of nonvascular thrombomodulin in the ciliary non-pigmented epithelium requires further investigation.