[Expression of proteinase inhibitors in the human trabecular meshwork]

We examined the distribution and expression of three proteinase inhibitors, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-PI), alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-ACT), and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-M) in the human trabecular meshwork. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used. By immunostaining, all three inhibitors were identified in the human trabecular meshwork with enhanced staining in the uveal meshwork. In situ hybridization showed mild but positive accumulation of the silver grains on the trabecular meshwork cells, which indicates mRNA expression. Specific distribution or cell selectivity were not detectable probably due to weak expression of these inhibitors in this tissue. Instead mRNAs for alpha 1-PI, alpha 1-ACT, and alpha 2-M as well as antithrombin III, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 could be identified by RT-PCR using trabecular meshwork culture cells. In this study, we concluded that some proteinase inhibitors were distributed in the human trabecular meshwork as well as in the cornea and the ciliary body. At least part of these were probably produced by the trabecular meshwork cells. The balance between proteinases and proteinase inhibitors might play an important role even in the human trabecular meshwork to maintain the outflow route. The alterations in the primary or secondary glaucomatous eyes are curious.