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Abstract #5577 Published in IGR 2-1
Identification of androgen, estrogen and progesterone receptor mRNAs in the eye
Wickham LA; Gao J; Toda I; Rocha EM; Ono M; Sullivan DAActa Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 2000; 78: 146-153
PURPOSE: Previous research has demonstrated that sex steroids exert a significant influence on the structure and function of numerous ocular tissues. To begin to explore the underlying basis of this hormone action, the authors examined whether various anterior and posterior tissues of the eye contain androgen, estrogen and progesterone receptor mRNAs. METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from adult male and female rats, rabbits, and humans, processed for the isolation of total RNA and analyzed by RT-PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and Southern blot hybridization. All PCR amplifications included positive and negative controls. RESULTS: The authors' findings showed that androgen, estrogen and/or progesterone receptor mRNAs are present in the lacrimal gland, lacrimal gland acinar epithelial cells, meibomian gland, lib, palpebral and bulbar conjunctivae, cornea, iris/ciliary body, lens, retina/uvea, retina/choroid, and retinal pigment epithelial cells of rats, rabbits and humans. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that sex steroid receptor mRNAs exist in a variety of ocular tissues, and suggest that these sites may represent target organs for androgens, estrogens and/or progestins.
Dr. L.A. Wickham, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Classification:
2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma