Ecto-5'-nucleotidase-positive cells in the choroid and ciliary body of the rat eye.
Adenosine is known to exert multiple functions within the eye. The aim of this report was to find out if adenosine can be produced locally in the choroid and ciliary body. Therefore, I investigated the distribution of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT), the key enzyme for the production of extracellular adenosine. This report provides evidence that 5'-NT is expressed in the choroid and in the ciliary body (and its processes) of the rat eye, predominantly in endothelial cells. These locations of 5'-NT indicate strategically important production sites of adenosine regulating choroid and ciliary body functions (e.g., blood flow, aqueous fluid production, and immune response).
Braun
Johann Sebastian
JS
Department of Neurology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany. johann.braun@charite.de
D015720:5'-Nucleotidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000241:Adenosine / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002829:Choroid / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D015720:5'-Nucleotidase; D000241:Adenosine