Abstract
Purpose: : To explore the potential involvement of RhoA and Rho kinase in corneal physiology and tissue regeneration, we evaluated the distribution profile of RhoA and Rho kinase (ROCK-1 and ROCK-2) in human corneal epithelial and endothelial cells.
Methods: : Paraffin-embedded postmortem eyes from six human subjects (age 73-90 years) with no known corneal pathology were stained immunohistochemically for RhoA, ROCK-1, and ROCK-2 proteins with respective polyclonal antibodies. The distribution and intensity of the immunostaining in the corneal endothelium and epithelium was assessed using light microscopy.
Results: : All six human eyes evaluated showed a positive staining for RhoA, ROCK-1, and ROCK-2 in the corneal epithelium and endothelium. No significant difference was found in the relative intensity of the staining of each of these proteins in human corneal epithelial and endothelial cells. The intensity of immunostaining of RhoA, ROCK-1 and ROCK-2 in the corneal epithelium was found to increase gradiently from its basal to apical layer.
Conclusions: : This study demonstrates the expression profile of RhoA, ROCK-1 and ROCK-2 in human corneal endothelial and epithelial cells. These molecules may become therapeutic targets for certain corneal disorders in the future.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science |
| Volume | 53 |
| State | Published - Mar 1 2012 |
Disciplines
- Ophthalmology
- Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy