Expression of IGF-I and IGF-II genes in the adult rat eye.
We have investigated the transcription of IGF-I and IGF-II genes in the adult rat eye. Each eye was dissected into cornea, lens, sclera + choroid + pigment epithelium, and neural retina. Total cellular RNA was isolated from each of these tissues. Northern blot analysis using rat coding region cDNA probes revealed the presence of IGF-I and IGF-II specific transcripts in the retina and the sclera but not in the lens and cornea. Retina demonstrated the highest level of IGF-I and IGF-II expression. Our results suggest autocrine and paracrine effects of the IGFs and their possible involvement in normal eye physiology as well as in the pathogenesis of certain eye diseases.
Danias
J
J
Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, School of Health Sciences, University of Athens, Greece.
Stylianopoulou
F
F
D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D015342:DNA Probes; D005123:Eye / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000235:genetics*
D015342:DNA Probes; D013002:Somatomedins; D012313:RNA; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II