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PubMed2001

Functional pharmacological evidence for EP2 and EP4 prostanoid receptors in immortalized human trabecular meshwork and non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells.

The aim of these studies was to characterize the molecular pharmacology of the prostanoid receptors positively coupled to stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity in immortalized human trabecular meshwork (TM-3) cells and to compare these results with that of the receptors in immortalized human nonpigmented epithelial (NPE) cells. In general, the TM-3 and NPE cells showed a similar profile with respect to their responses to various prostaglandin (PG) receptor agonists. The rank order of potency (EC50; means +/- SEM) for these compounds in the TM-3 cells was: PGE2 (124 +/- 21 nM) > 13,14-dihydro-PGE1 (430 +/- 110 nM) = PGE1 (522 +/- 345 nM) > 11-deoxy-PGE1 (1063 +/- 118 nM) = 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2 (1776 +/- 460 nM) = butaprost (1920 +/- 527 nM) >> PGD2 = PGI2 = PGF2alpha (n = 3 - 12). While the agonist profile indicated the presence of EP2 receptors, the effects of the EP4 receptor antagonists suggested the additional expression of EP4 receptors in both of these cells. Thus, the EP4 receptor antagonist, AH23848B, at a concentration of 30 microM, caused a dextral shift in the PGE2 concentration-response curves in both TM-3 and NPE cells coupled with a 20-28% decrease in the maximal response of PGE2, indicating apparent noncompetitive antagonism profiles. The antagonist potency of AH23848B in these cells was: Kb = 38.4 +/- 14.8 microM and 23.5 +/- 4.5 microM; -log Kb = 4.7. The other EP4 receptor antagonist, AH22921 (-log Kb = 4.1 - 4.7), was weaker than AH23848B. Taken together, these pharmacological studies have shown than TM-3 and NPE cells apparently contain functional EP2 and EP4 prostanoid receptors positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1993

Effects of gamma-interferon on human trabecular meshwork cell phagocytosis.

PURPOSE: Gamma-interferon (G-IFN) regulates a variety of immune responses including the modulation of the phagocytic response and induction of class II major histocompatibility complex antigens. Because human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells in culture are known to be actively phagocytic and have been shown to express class II major histocompatibility complex antigens, the effects of G-IFN on HTM cells were examined. METHODS: Confluent HTM cells were incubated in media (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium +10% fetal bovine serum) containing 0, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, or 5000 units/ml of recombinant human G-IFN for 72 hr. After incubation, the cultured HTM cells were challenged with 5 ml of media containing 1 x 10(8) fluorescein labeled microspheres/ml. Phagocytic uptake was determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Flow cytometric analysis of microsphere uptake shows that G-IFN inhibited HTM cell phagocytosis of microspheres in a dose-dependent fashion. At 5000 units/ml of G-IFN, phagocytosis of microspheres was inhibited by 64.5 +/- 2.4% compared to control (P < 0.007). The half maximal dose of phagocytic inhibition is < 10 units/ml. Increasing the time of G-IFN exposure from 24 to 72 hr at 10 units/ml increased the level of phagocytic inhibition from 39 to 49%, respectively. The rate of microsphere uptake was also reduced in a dose-dependent fashion. Morphologic examination after G-IFN incubation showed that HTM cells became enlarged and flattened compared to the control. Actin cytoskeletal immunofluorescence staining showed that parallel actin beams of the control cells were changed to a radical, spokelike arrangement when incubated in G-IFN. CONCLUSIONS: G-IFN is a potent inhibitor of HTM cell phagocytosis in vitro. G-IFN's effect on the actin cytoskeleton suggests that G-IFN may be disturbing the cytoskeletal organization necessary for phagocytosis.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

Influence of muscarinic agonists and tyrosine kinase inhibitors on L-type Ca(2+)Channels in human and bovine trabecular meshwork cells.

Trabecularmeshwork (TM), a smooth muscle-like tissue with contractile properties, is involved in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow. However, little is known about the regulation of Ca(2+)influx in trabecular meshwork cells. We investigated the influence of acetylcholine and tyrosine kinases on Ca(2+)conductances of bovine TM (BTM) and human TM (HTM) cells using the perforated-patch configuration of the patch-clamp technique and measurements of intracellular free Ca(2+)([Ca(2+)](i)). Depolarization of the cells in the presence of 10 m m Ba(2+)or Ca(2+)led to an activation of inward currents at potentials positive to -30 mV with characteristics typical of L-type Ca(2+)currents: when using 10 m m Ba(2+), maximal inward current and inactivation time constant (tau) increased; the L-type Ca(2+)channel blocker nifedipine (1 microm) reduced and the L-type Ca(2+)channel agonist BayK8644 (5 microm) enhanced maximal inward current. Acetylcholine (100 microm) and carbachol (1 microm) led to an increase in inward Ba(2+)current whereas application of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein (50 microm) and lavendustin A (20 microm) resulted in a decrease in inward current. The application of daidzein (10 microm), an inactive analog of genistein had no effect. Depolarization of the cells with 135 m m K(+)or direct stimulation of L-type channels by application of BayK 8644 led to an increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Carbachol (1 microm) induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i)which was decreased by application of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (50 microm). We conclude that HTM and BTM cells express voltage-dependent L-type Ca(2+)channels that influence intracellular Ca(2+)concentration and thus may modulate TM contractility. The activity of L-type Ca(2+)currents is influenced by muscarinic agonists and tyrosine kinases.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2000

Mediation of calcium-independent contraction in trabecular meshwork through protein kinase C and rho-A.

PURPOSE: Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and rho-kinase (ROCK) may represent a new way of influencing outflow facility through isolated relaxation of the trabecular meshwork (TM). This work was performed to investigate the existence of calcium-independent contraction in this smooth-muscle-like tissue and its modulation by targeting the rho-guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase)-mediated pathway. METHODS: Isometric tension measurements of bovine TM and ciliary muscle (CM) were performed. Intra- and extracellular calcium buffering was accomplished with EGTA and 1, 2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N:,N:,N:',N:'-tetra-acetic acid tetrakis/acetoxymethhyl ester (BAPTA-AM) followed by stimulation of PKC with phorbolester (PMA) or 4alpha-phorbol. Calcium-independent contraction was blocked using the highly specific ROCK inhibitor Y-27632. Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation was performed using human TM cells. RESULTS: In TM, carbachol induced partial contraction under conditions of extracellular calcium depletion (22. 1% +/- 2.3% versus 100%, n = 9). The membrane-permeable calcium chelator BAPTA-AM completely blocked this response (1.1% +/- 1.4% versus 100%, n = 9). When calcium was completely blocked, PMA induced contraction in TM (16.7% +/- 5.9% versus 100%, n = 9) but not in CM (1.8% +/- 2.5% versus 100%, n = 6). The inactive PMA analogue 4alpha-phorbol did not induce contraction, indicating that activation of PKC is involved in this contractile response. The ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 completely blocked the calcium-independent PMA-induced contraction in TM. Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation revealed the expression of the rho-A protein in human TM cells. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that contrary to CM, the TM features calcium-independent contractile mechanisms linked to rho-A and PKC isoforms that do not require calcium for activation. ROCK inhibitors may allow specific modulation of the TM to enhance outflow facility, thus lowering intraocular pressure.

Amides↗
PubMed1996

Enzymes protective of oxidative damage present in all decades of life in the trabecular meshwork, as detected by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis protein maps.

Our purpose was to determine whether there are age-related differences in the presence of enzymes protective against oxidative damage in normal human trabecular meshwork (TM). The study was also done to determine whether there are significant changes in proteins related to age, gender, or position around the circumference of the meshwork. Human TM was dissected from both eyes of 16 normal donors ranging in age from 9 to 91 years. Proteins were mapped with two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. The microanalytical method used allowed analysis of samples as small as one fourth of a single meshwork. Selected proteins were identified by Western blot. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase were present in all ages on the 2D maps. Age-related changes in the TM were not apparent, although slight differences may exist between juvenile and adult TM, since differences in the relative intensities of some polypeptides were evident. In any single quadrant of the TM, > or = 160 protein spots could be counted visually. The 2D maps of the various quadrants were very similar, and the protein patterns were analogous between fellow eyes. Distinct differences were noted between maps from TM and adjacent cornea and sclera. Other protein spots identified included actin, albumin, transferrin, and vimentin. The TM samples had a mean cellular protein content of 66.3 +/- 15.4 micrograms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Effect of H-7 on cultured human trabecular meshwork cells.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of the serine-threonine kinase inhibitor H-7, which blocks actomyosin contractility and increases outflow facility in live monkeys, on morphology, cytoskeleton, and cellular adhesions of human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells in culture. METHODS: Cultured HTM cells were videographically recorded and evaluated before and after exposure to H-7 at different concentrations. The subcellular distribution of the actin-based cytoskeleton and associated anchor proteins including vinculin, paxillin, and beta-catenin, as well as phosphotyrosine-containing proteins were evaluated by fluorescence immunocytochemistry and digital fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: H-7 induced pronounced but reversible HTM cell thickening toward the cell center and deterioration of the actin cytoskeletal network. Cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell-cell adhesions were also affected, but the beta-catenin-rich, vinculin-containing adherens junctions were clearly more resistant than focal contacts. Phosphotyrosine labeling in focal contacts was highly sensitive to H-7. CONCLUSIONS: H-7 induces alterations in cell shape, actin cytoskeleton, and associated focal adhesions in cultured HTM cells, which may be responsible for the effects of H-7 on outflow facility in live monkey eyes.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
PubMed1996

Characterization of alpha 2-macroglobulin binding to human trabecular meshwork cells: presence of the alpha 2-macroglobulin signaling receptor.

Direct binding of receptor-recognized alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M*) or a cloned receptor binding fragment from rat alpha 1-macroglobulin (RBF) to human trabecular meshwork cells demonstrated two classes of cell surface binding sites. One class has an apparent Kd of 5.0 nM and a receptor number of 31,800 receptors/cell. The other class has an apparent Kd of 20 pM and a receptor number of 1600 receptors/cell. Binding studies of alpha 2M* or RBF in the presence of a competitor for binding to low-density-lipoprotein receptor-related protein/alpha 2M* receptor (LRP/alpha 2MR) called receptor-associated protein (RAP) show that only the lower affinity class of binding sites is susceptible to competition with RAP. Uptake studies demonstrate specific internalization and degradation of alpha 2M* which is inhibitable by RAP. Exposure of the cells to alpha 2M* and RBF (40 nM) is associated with mean increases of 171 and 210%, respectively, in the intracellular calcium concentration, which is not inhibitable by RAP or pertussis toxin. These studies present the first characterization of alpha 2M* and RBF signaling in a primary human cell type and suggest a role for alpha 2M* in the physiology of the eye.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Latrunculin B effects on trabecular meshwork and corneal endothelial morphology in monkeys.

To determine the mechanism of latrunculin B (LAT-B)-induced decrease in outflow resistance and the effect of LAT-B on the cornea, structural changes of the trabecular meshwork (TM) and the corneal endothelium following LAT-B were studied in the live monkey eye. LAT-B (0.5 microM) and vehicle were administered by anterior chamber exchange and infusion with cationized and non-cationized gold solution in opposite eyes. The eyes were fixed by infusing Ito's solution and enucleated. Anterior segments were quadrisected and embedded in Epon-Embed 812. Morphology of the TM and the corneal endothelium was studied by light and electron microscopy. LAT-B-induced morphological changes in the TM included: (1) loss of microfilament integrity in cells, especially in TM cells on the collagen beams; (2) development of numerous cytoplasmic projections of the sub-canalicular cells (SUB); (3) reorganization of intermediate filaments in Schlemm's canal inner wall (IW) cells; (4) massive 'ballooning' of the juxtacanalicular (JXT) region, leading to a substantial expansion of the space between the IW of Schlemm's canal and the trabecular collagen beams; and (5) retention of extracellular matrix (ECM), trapped between the SUB cell layer and IW cells. No detrimental effects on tight junctions, giant vacuoles, and cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesions were observed. Endocytosis of gold particles was not affected. Morphology of the corneal endothelium of the LAT-B-treated eye was unchanged. In conclusion, TM changes in the LAT-B-treated eye suggest that the expansion of the JXT space may account for the decrease in outflow resistance induced by latrunculins. The outflow-effective concentration of LAT-B administered intracamerally does not significantly affect the corneal endothelium.

Actins↗
PubMed2006

Human trabecular meshwork cells express functional serotonin-2A (5HT2A) receptors: role in IOP reduction.

PURPOSE: To apply a multidisciplinary approach to the identification and pharmacological characterization of the serotonin (5HT) receptors that mediate functional responses in human trabecular meshwork (h-TM) cells. To correlate in vitro findings with intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in conscious ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkeys. METHODS: Documented methods were used, including reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), phosphoinositide (PI) turnover, and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) mobilization. IOP was measured using standard applanation pneumatonometry. RESULTS: h-TM cells expressed robust mRNA signals for 5HT2A and 5HT2B receptors. 5HT and its analogues stimulated PI turnover and [Ca2+]i mobilization in h-TM cells from multiple donors (20/24 donors' TM cells responded). The agonist potencies (EC50) of compounds in mobilizing [Ca2+]i were (nM): 5-methoxy tryptamine, 8 +/- 4; (R)-DOI, 18 +/- 6; alpha-methyl-5HT, 22 +/- 3; 5HT, 40 +/- 7; 5-methoxy-dimethyl tryptamine, 64 +/- 27; and BW-723C86, 1213 +/- 210. These effects were potently blocked by the 5HT2A-receptor-selective antagonist, M-100907 (Ki = 1 +/- 0.3 nM), but weakly by antagonists of 5HT2B and 5HT2C receptors. Only 5HT2 receptor agonists such as (R)-DOI (300 microg lowered IOP 34.4% from baseline of 38.2 mm Hg; P < 0.001) and alpha-methyl-5HT (250 microg lowered IOP 30.8% from baseline of 41.8 mm Hg; P < 0.001) lowered IOP in ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkeys. CONCLUSIONS: Strong signals for 5HT2A and 5HT2B receptor mRNAs were detected in h-TM cells. The receptors that coupled to PI hydrolysis and [Ca2+]i mobilization in h-TM cells were the 5HT2A receptor subtype, which also significantly lowered IOP in a primate model. These receptors may mediate the ocular hypotensive actions of 5HT2A agonists.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Selenium's effects on MMP-2 and TIMP-1 secretion by human trabecular meshwork cells.

PURPOSE: Because of the observed increase in incidence of glaucoma among some individuals taking selenium as a dietary supplement, the present study was undertaken to investigate mechanisms of selenium-induced changes in homeostasis of human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Specifically, the impact of selenium on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases; TIMPs), and the second messengers that regulate MMP expression was investigated in an HTM cell culture model. METHODS: HTM cell cultures were treated with an organic selenium compound (methyl seleninic acid), and changes in secretion and activity of MMPs and TIMPs were analyzed by Western blot and zymography. Changes in extracellular-signal-related kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and phospho-ERK1/2 levels were monitored by Western blot analysis of whole-cell lysates prepared from selenium-treated cells. Photographs of cultures over time were used to document selenium-induced changes in cell morphology. RESULTS: Treatment of HTM cells with selenium for 24 hours at doses ranging from 1 to 10 micro M caused a dose-dependent decrease in the secretion of MMP-2 and TIMP-1. Treatment for 6 hours revealed a significant decrease in MMP-2 and TIMP-1 at the highest dose. MMP-1, -3, and -9 and TIMP-2 were either not detected or their secretion was not consistently influenced by selenium treatment. Selenium treatment caused a significant decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, but no change in overall ERK protein levels. Selenium treatment resulted in dose-dependent, reversible changes in HTM cell-matrix associations. CONCLUSIONS: Selenium-induced changes in MMP-2/TIMP-1 secretion may alter the balance of extracellular matrix turnover in the conventional outflow pathway and cause an increase in intraocular pressure that eventually leads to glaucoma.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1992

Glycosaminoglycans of organ-cultured rabbit trabecular meshwork.

The anterior segments of rabbit eyes were dissected into two types of corneoscleral explants: one a large, ring-shaped block of tissue from one eye and the other consisting of small blocks of tissue from the other eye which was dissected into 8 parts. Explants were cultured for up to 2 weeks. The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) profiles of the organ-cultured rabbit trabecular meshwork were then investigated and compared with respect to explant size. The results revealed: (1) similar trabecular GAG profiles in both sizes of explants, (2) trabecular GAG profiles obtained within the culture period came to resemble those of noncultured specimens and (3) incorporation of the radiolabels continued for up to 5 days, with 2 days sufficient for GAG analysis.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The effects of dexamethasone on fibronectin expression in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells.

Topical administration of glucocorticoids to the eye can lead to the development of ocular hypertension. This increase in intraocular pressure is caused by the heightened resistance to flow of aqueous humor from the eye, presumably at the trabecular meshwork (TM). This study reports the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) on the expression of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (FN) in cultured human TM cells (HTM). The expression of FN was evaluated in four HTM cell strains by epifluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting and autofluorography of electrophoretically separated cell proteins. There was a heterogeneous response of the four cell strains tested. Treatment of cell strain HTM4 with DEX (10(-7) mol/l) for 17 d caused an approximate doubling of cell-associated and secreted FN. This DEX-induced increase in FN expression was progressive after the first 7 d of treatment and was blocked partially with a glucocorticoid antagonist, cortexolone. By contrast, DEX treatment induced an intermediate 50-60% increase in FN expression in cell strains HTM10 and HTM2; in HTM6, FN was unchanged after exposure to the glucocorticoid. This model system may be useful to examine molecular changes associated with corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension and evaluate glaucomatous changes in the TM because increased FN deposition occurs in the aqueous humor outflow pathway of patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Presence of matrix vesicles in the trabecular meshwork of glaucomatous eyes.

In the last few years matrix vesicles (M.V.) have been found in the vessel wall in various diseases and are considered to be related with pathological changes of the extracellular fibers of the tissue (atypical collagen etc.). Since the trabecular meshwork, at least the cribriform region, may be looked upon as a part of a vessel wall, it was an obvious conclusion to look for M.V. even in this area. Lysosomal and non-lysosomal M.V. were found in 138 trabeculectomy-specimens of various kinds of glaucoma, located for the most part within the cribriform or juxta-canalicular region of the meshwork. In ten cases small, electron-dense M.V. were found which ultrahistochemically showed a positive reaction for acid phosphatase. This proves that these vesicles are indeed extracellular lysosomes.

Glaucoma↗
PubMed1997

Ultrastructural changes in the trabecular meshwork of juvenile glaucoma.

Trabeculectomy specimens from 11 patients with juvenile glaucoma were studied by electron microscopy and quantitatively evaluated. In all cases, large amounts of extracellular material arranged in a fingerprint-like pattern, resembling basement-membrane-like material (FBM) was found, similar to that described in steroid-induced glaucoma. This material was found mainly within the inner cribriform and outer corneoscleral regions of the trabecular meshwork, and caused the cribriform layer to be greatly thickened. FBM was also intimately associated with trabecular cells, which frequently appeared activated. In 3 cases, there was also an increase in fine fibrillar material which resembled that found in eyes with steroid-induced glaucoma. The amount of sheath-derived plaque material, which is increased in primary open angle glaucoma, was greatly increased in the subendothelial layer adjacent to Schlemm's canal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Ultrastructural changes of the trabecular meshwork of the monkey (Macaca speciosa) following irradiation with argon laser light.

An attempt to elucidate the mechanism of the pressure-lowering effect after treatment of the chamber angle according to Wise and Witter with argon laser light is presented. The ultrastructural effects upon the trabecular meshwork of four Macaca speciosa monkeys were analyzed at planned intervals by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The ultrastructural effects of the treatment are strongly dependent on the site of the laser burns. Whereas burns delivered to the anterior part of the meshwork are tightly sealed by a monocellular layer of atypical corneoendothelial cells, this mechanism is less marked when delivered more posteriorly.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Accumulation of mutant myocilins in ER leads to ER stress and potential cytotoxicity in human trabecular meshwork cells.

MYOC encoding a 55kDa secretory glycoprotein named myocilin is closely linked to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). To understand a role played by MYOC in glaucoma, we examined the cellular fate of various mutant myocilins that were adenovirally expressed in human trabecular meshwork cells. Most myocilins with mutations such as G364V, Q368X, K423E, Y437H, and I477N were intrinsically stable, and appeared to have interactions with wild-type myocilin but not with stromelysin and thereby selectively inhibited the secretion of the former protein. The myocilins expressed were identified to be concentrated into fine punctate aggregates in endoplasmic reticulum, but never developed into the formation of aggresomes. In endoplasmic reticulum, the accumulation of the myocilins resulted in the upregulation of 78kDa glucose-regulated protein and protein disulfide isomerase. In addition, the expression of the myocilins led to deformed cellular morphology and diminished cell proliferation, an effect postulated to result in the dysfunction of trabecular cells that could be a cause of glaucoma. Therefore, our results support the statement that gain of function rather than haploinsufficiency is a critical mechanism for POAG in individuals with mutations on MYOC.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2005

Dexamethasone alters F-actin architecture and promotes cross-linked actin network formation in human trabecular meshwork tissue.

Elevated intraocular pressure is an important risk factor for the development of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. This ocular hypertension is due to increased hydrodynamic resistance to the drainage of aqueous humor through specialized outflow tissues, including the trabecular meshwork (TM) and the endothelial lining of Schlemm's canal. We know that glucocorticoid therapy can cause increased outflow resistance and glaucoma in susceptible individuals, that the cytoskeleton helps regulate aqueous outflow resistance, and that glucocorticoid treatment alters the actin cytoskeleton of cultured TM cells. Our purpose was to characterize the actin cytoskeleton of cells in outflow pathway tissues in situ, to characterize changes in the cytoskeleton due to dexamethasone treatment in situ, and to compare these with changes observed in cell culture. Human ocular anterior segments were perfused with or without 10(-7) M dexamethasone, and F-actin architecture was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. We found that outflow pathway cells contained stress fibers, peripheral actin staining, and occasional actin "tangles." Dexamethasone treatment caused elevated IOP in several eyes and increased overall actin staining, with more actin tangles and the formation of cross-linked actin networks (CLANs). The actin architecture in TM tissues was remarkably similar to that seen in cultured TM cells. Although CLANs have been reported previously in cultured cells, this is the first report of CLANs in tissue. These cytoskeletal changes may be associated with increased aqueous humor outflow resistance after ocular glucocorticoid treatment.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed2006

TGFbeta2-induced changes in human trabecular meshwork: implications for intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 levels are elevated in glaucomatous human aqueous humor. TGFbeta is a cytokine that alters extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, and excess ECM has been proposed to increase aqueous outflow resistance in the trabecular meshwork (TM) of glaucomatous eyes. This study was undertaken to investigate effects of TGFbeta2 on secretion of fibronectin and the protease inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 from human TM cell cultures and perfused human ocular anterior segments. METHODS: Total RNA was isolated from pooled human TM cell monolayers and used for a gene microarray expression analysis. Supernatants from treated human TM cells were analyzed by ELISA for fibronectin or PAI-1 content. TGFbeta2 effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) were evaluated in a perfused organ culture model using human anterior segments, and eluates were analyzed for fibronectin and PAI-1 content. RESULTS: Overnight treatment of TM cells with TGFbeta2 upregulated multiple ECM-related genes, such as PAI-1. TGFbeta2 also increased secretion of both fibronectin and PAI-1 from TM cells. TGFbeta2 effects on TM cells were blocked by inhibitors of the TGFbeta type I receptor. In perfused human anterior segments, TGFbeta2 treatment elevated IOP and increased eluate fibronectin and PAI-1 content. CONCLUSIONS: TGFbeta2 effects on IOP may be transduced by TGFbeta type-I receptor-mediated changes in TM secretion of ECM-related factors such as fibronectin and PAI-1. Modulation of TGFbeta2-induced changes in the ECM may provide a novel and viable approach to the management of glaucoma.

Aged↗