[Expression of 5 muscarinic receptor subtypes in the scleral tissue of immature guinea pigs].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of 5 muscarinic receptor subtypes in the scleral tissue of immature guinea pigs.


METHODS
The scleral tissue was collected from six 2-week-old pigmented guinea pigs to determine mRNA expressions of the muscarinic receptors with RT-PCR. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the protein expressions of the 5 muscarinic receptor subtypes.


RESULTS
The mRNAs of the 5 muscarinic receptor subtypes were all detected in the scleral tissue, and the mRNA expression was the highest for M1 subtype. Green fluorescence of M1 to M5 subtypes surrounding the fibroblast nuclei were found in the scleral matrix using laser confocal microscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
Five muscarinic receptor subtypes are present in the scleral tissues of immature guinea pigs, indicating the involvement of the muscarinic receptors in eye growth regulation.
Liu
Qiong
Q
State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Wu
Jie
J
Wang
Xin-mei
XM
Zeng
Jun-wen
JW
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012590:Sclera / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic