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Microtubule disruption leads to cellular contraction in human trabecular meshwork cells
J P Gills1, B C Roberts, D L Epstein
1Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Purpose:
To determine whether microtubule- and actin-altering drugs, which have been shown to increase aqueous humor outflow, cause cellular contraction in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells.
Methods:
HTM cells were plated in culture dishes containing a polymerized deformable silicone substrate. After 48 hours, the dishes were placed on an inverted microscope and treated with ethacrynic acid, colchicine, vinblastine, cytochalasin B, or 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7) and then recorded on videotape for 15 minutes. An increase in silicone substrate wrinkle size and/or number indicated a contraction. Sham controls were used.
Results:
Cellular contraction was observed with ethacrynic acid, colchicine, and vinblastine in the 10(-5) to 10(-4) M dosage range. Pretreatment with H-7 blocked these effects. Cytochalasin B did not produce cellular contraction.
Conclusions:
Microtubule disruption causes cellular contraction in HTM cells, and this effect depends on an intact actin cytoskeleton network. Contraction of trabecular meshwork cells in response to various stimuli is an attractive hypothesis for possible homeostatic mechanisms in the outflow pathway, and this may serve as a focus for novel glaucoma drug development.