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Growth factor-like phospholipids generated after corneal injury
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163, USA.
The American Journal of Physiology
|May 12, 1998
Summary
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) mediators are found in rabbit eye fluids and promote corneal cell regeneration after injury. This suggests LPA
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) family mediators are growth factor-like molecules.
- These mediators play roles in various physiological processes.
- Their presence and function in ocular fluids, particularly the cornea, were not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and identity of LPA-like phospholipids in rabbit ocular fluids.
- To determine the role of these mediators in corneal injury and repair.
- To explore the mitogenic effects of LPA on corneal cells.
Main Methods:
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Two-dimensional Thin-Layer Chromatography (2D-TLC)
- Mass Spectrometry
- Xenopus oocyte bioassay
- Keratocyte isolation and culture
Main Results:
- LPA-like phospholipids, including LPA, cyclic PA, alkenyl-glycerophosphate (GP), lysophosphatidylserine, and phosphatidic acid, were identified in rabbit aqueous humor and lacrimal gland fluid.
- Corneal injury led to increased production of some LPA mediators.
- Alkenyl-GP was identified as a novel, endogenously generated LPA family member in postinjury aqueous humor.
- LPA and its homologues demonstrated mitogenic activity on corneal keratocytes.
Conclusions:
- LPA mediators are physiological constituents of the rabbit cornea.
- Increased LPA production and keratocyte responsiveness after injury suggest a role in corneal repair.
- LPA and its homologues are likely involved in maintaining normal corneal integrity and promoting regeneration of injured corneas.