Localization and expression of chondromodulin-I in the rat cornea.
The localization and expression in the rat cornea of chondromodulin-I (ChM-I), an inhibitory angiogenesis factor, were examined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, ribonuclease protection assay, and real-time PCR assay. We found immunoreactivity for ChM-I in the epithelial layer but not the stromal layer or endothelial layer in the cornea, in addition to the positive ChM-I immunoreactivity in other sites in the eye such as the sclera, retina, and ciliary body. The ChM-I immunoreactivity was most intense at the outside of the basal cells and in their cytoplasm while the intensity of the immunoreactivity decreased gradually from the wing cells to the superficial cells in the corneal epithelial layer. No reactivity however, was detected in the Bowman's membrane or conjunctival epithelial cells which had continuity with the corneal epithelial cells. The expression of ChM-I mRNA was demonstrated in the cornea at one-third less intensity than that in the sclera with choroids and retinal pigment epithelium by ribonuclease protection assay and real-time PCR. ChM-I in the corneal epithelial layer may prevent neovascularization and maintain avascularity in the cornea.
Fukushima
Atsushi
A
Department of Structural Pathology, Institute of Nephrology, and Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Course for Biological Functions and Medical Control, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan.
Funaki
Haruko
H
Yaoeda
Kiyoshi
K
Tanaka
Takayuki
T
Shirakashi
Motohiro
M
Yoshida
Yutaka
Y
Yaoita
Eishin
E
Abe
Haruki
H
Yamamoto
Tadashi
T
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D003315:Cornea / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats
D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C068675:CNMD protein, human