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Abstract #27366 Published in IGR 12-4
Expression of aquaporin-1 in rabbit corneal endothelium after chronic ocular hypertension
Che C-Y; Zhao G-Q; Zhang L-LChinese Ophthalmic Research 2010; 28: 832-835
Background: Expression of AQP-1 protein appears during the embryonic period. The level of AQP-1 mRNA synthesis is gradually declined after born. However, the expression level of AQP-1 protein after born remains near to embryonic period. AQP-1 is very important for the restoration of corneal endothelium following injury. Objective: The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) in cornea tissue after chronic experimental elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: The chronic ocular hypertension models were established in 24 eyes of 24 domestic rabbits by injecting 0.2 mL compound carbomer solution (0.3% carbomer and 0.025% dexamethasone) into the anterior chamber to elevate the IOP to 22 mmHg or over. The same amount of normal solution was used at the same way in other 6 rabbits as control group. IOP, conjunctiva, cornea and iris of the animals were examined under the slit lamp once a day after injection of the anterior chamber. These animals were sacrificed in 2, 3, 4, 5 weeks after injection respectively and the left eyes were enucleated. The expressions of AQP-1 protein and mRNA in cornea of rabbit were detected using immunohistochemistry (A value) and semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) respectively. The use of experimental animals followed the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by NIH (USA). Results: The IOP of rabbits was significantly elevated after injection of the anterior chamber from 2 weeks through 5 weeks with the highest IOP in the third weeks. Edema of corneal tissue and the inflammation response of iri were most serious in 18-24 days after injection. AQP-1 protein was positively expressed in cellular membrane and cytoplasm of corneal endothelium with the strongest expression in 3 weeks after IOP elevated. The A value of AQP-1 protein was lowest in control eyes but enhanced in model eyes with the highest A value in the models of 3 weeks group. Statistically significant differences were found in the A value of AQP-1 among 2, 3, 4, 5 weeks groups and control group (F = 3.650, P = 0.018). The expression of AQP-1 mRNA in corneal tissue in different time durations followed the same pattern to AQP-1 protein (F = 4.140, P = 0.000). Conclusion: AQP-1 may be involved in the damage and restoration of corneal endothelium in chronic high IOP rabbit.
C.-Y. Che. Department of Ophthalmology, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao 266003, China. zhaoguiqiu@tom.com
Classification:
3.6 Cellular biology (Part of: 3 Laboratory methods)
2.2 Cornea (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
5.3 Other (Part of: 5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models)
