Expression of serotonin receptor mRNAs in human ciliary body: a polymerase chain reaction study.
BACKGROUND
Previous research has indicated a role for serotonin (5-HT) in the anterior uvea of the eye. The purpose of this study was to examine whether mRNAs encoding particular 5-HT receptors are expressed in the ciliary body and iris of a number of human subjects.


METHODS
The presence of mRNA encoding 5-HT receptors in four human ciliary body samples was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction experiments using a standard methodology.


RESULTS
Positive signals for 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2B), 5-HT(2C) and 5-HT(7) receptor mRNAs were detected in the samples prepared from various human ciliary body samples.


CONCLUSIONS
The detection of certain 5-HT receptor mRNAs in the human ciliary body supports the hypothesis that serotonin is involved in the control of aqueous dynamics and indicates that ligands acting on these 5-HT receptors may have potential use as intraocular pressure-lowering agents.
Chidlow
Glyn
G
Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Walton Street, Oxford, UK. glyn.chidlow@eye.ox.ac.uk
Hiscott
Paul S
PS
Osborne
Neville N
NN
D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000235:genetics*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin