Localization of α2-adrenergic receptor subtypes in the anterior segment of the human eye with selective antibodies

Y. Huang, D. W. Gil, P. Vanscheeuwijck, W. D. Stamer, J. W. Regan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose. To develop antibodies that selectively recognize each of the α2-adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes and to determine the expression and localization of these subtypes in the anterior segment of the human eye. Methods. Recent studies have shown that there are three subtypes of the α2- ARs, termed α2-C10 (α2A), α2-C2 (α2B), and α-C4 (α2C). Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify portions of these receptors fused (in- frame) to a cDNA encoding glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The expressed fusion proteins were used to immunize chickens, and antibodies were generated. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to localize the α2-AR subtypes in sections of human and rabbit ciliary body. Polymerase chain reaction and dot blot hybridization were used to determine which subtypes were present in RNA from primary cultures of human nonpigmented epithelium (NPE) and rabbit iris-ciliary body (ICB). Results. Immunofluorescence microscopy of COS cells transfected with the α2-AR subtypes showed that the antibodies raised against the GST-receptor fusion proteins specifically recognized their respective receptor subtypes. In the human ciliary body, α2B and α2C immunoreactivity were present in the NPE and ciliary muscle. In the rabbit ciliary body, α2A immunoreactivity also was present. Polymerase chain reaction and dot blot hybridization indicated that RNA encoding the α2B and α2C subtypes was present in human NPE and that RNA encoding all three subtypes was present in the rabbit ICB. Conclusions. Multiple α2-adrenergic subtypes are expressed in the ciliary body. In the human, α2B and α2C predominate, whereas all three are present in the rabbit. This could be important with respect to animal models of glaucoma and to the development of drugs for lowering intraocular pressure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2729-2739
Number of pages11
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume36
Issue number13
StatePublished - 1995

Keywords

  • G-protein coupled receptors
  • adenylyl cyclase
  • fusion protein
  • gene expression
  • immunocytochemistry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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