Growth-associated protein GAP-43 and nerve cell adhesion molecule in sensory nerves of cornea.
We used dual-wavelength fluorescence microscopy and monoclonal antibodies to growth-associated protein (GAP-43) and nerve cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) to identify these proteins in nerve fibers of normal rat and rabbit corneas. Overlapping immunoreactivity of GAP-43 and N-CAM was evident along nerve fibers of rabbit corneal sections, suggesting that GAP-43 is constitutively expressed in these sensory nerves. The immune reaction of monoclonal antibody to GAP-43 and [125I]protein A was used to quantitate relative amounts of GAP-43 in the normal cornea and in a cornea subjected to a de-epithelializing wound. Collectively these findings imply that GAP-43 is axoplasmically transported from cells in the trigeminal (or superior cervical) ganglion to the cornea. Moreover, these data indicate that GAP-43 appears to be involved in the remodeling of corneal nerves that is necessary for normal innervation.
Martin
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LSU Eye Center and Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Medicine, New Orleans 70112-2234.
Bazan
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D000818:Animals; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000032:analysis*; D003315:Cornea / Q000294:innervation*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004848:Epithelium / Q000737:chemistry; D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D016900:Neurofilament Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000737:chemistry*; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D016900:Neurofilament Proteins