Evaluation of trabecular meshwork-specific promoters in vitro and in vivo using scAAV2 vectors expressing C3 transferase

AIM:To evaluate the potential of two trabecular meshwork(TM)-specific promoters,Chitinase 3-like 1(Ch3L1)and matrix gla protein(MGP),for improving specificity and safety in glaucoma gene therapy based on self-complementary AAV2(scAAV2)vector technologies.METHODS:An scAAV2 vector with C3 transferase(C3)as the reporter gene(scAAV2-C3)was selected.The scAAV2-C3 vectors were driven by Ch3L1(scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3),MGP(scAAV2-MGP-C3),enhanced MGP(scAAV2-eMGP-C3)and cytomegalovirus(scAAV2-CMV-C3),respectively.The cultured primary human TM cells were treated with each vector at different multiplicities of infections.Changes in cell morphology were observed by phase contrast microscopy.Actin stress fibers and Rho GTPases/Rho-associated protein kinase pathway-related molecules were assessed by immunofluorescence staining,real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Each vector was injected intracamerally into the one eye of each rat at low and high doses respectively.In vivo green fluorescence was visualized by a Micron III Retinal Imaging Microscope.Intraocular pressure(IOP)was monitored using a rebound tonometer.Ocular responses were evaluated by slit-lamp microscopy.Ocular histopathology analysis was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining.RESULTS:In TM cell culture studies,the vectormediated C3 expression induced morphologic changes,disruption of actin cytoskeleton and reduction of fibronectin expression in TM cells by inhibiting the Rho GTPases/Rhoassociated protein kinase signaling pathway.At the same dose,these changes were significant in TM cells treated with scAAV2-CMV-C3 or scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3,but not in cells treated with scAAV2-eMGP-C3 or scAAV2-MGP-C3.At lowinjected dose,the IOP was significantly decreased in the scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3-injected eyes but not in scAAV2-MGPC3-injected and scAAV2-eMGP-C3-injected eyes.At highinjected dose,significant IOP reduction was observed in the scAAV2-eMGP-C3-injected eyes but not in scAAV2-MGP-C3-injected eyes.Similar to scAAV2-CMV-C3,scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3 vector showed efficient transduction both in the TM and corneal endothelium.In anterior segment tissues of scAAV2-eMGP-C3-injected eyes,no obvious morphological changes were found except for the TM.Inflammation was absent.CONCLUSION:In scAAV2-transduced TM cells,the promoter-driven efficiency of Ch3L1 is close to that of cytomegalovirus,but obviously higher than that of MGP.In the anterior chamber of rat eye,the transgene expression pattern of scAAV2 vector is presumably affected by MGP promoter,but not by Ch3L1 promoter.These findings would provide a useful reference for improvement of specificity and safety in glaucoma gene therapy using scAAV2 vector.

Effect of Dexamethasone and Aquaporin-1 Antisense Oligonucleotides on the Aquaporin-1 Expression in Cultured Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells

The changes in the expression of aquaporin-1 （AQP1） mRNA and protein in cultured human trabecular meshwork （HTM） cells treated with dexamethasone and transfected with antisense oligonucleotides （AS-ODN） were studied, and the implication of AQP1 regulation in corticosteroid-glaucoma and the possibility of AS-ODN inhibiting the AQP1 expression were evaluated. The cultured HTM cells in vitro were treated with different concentrations of dexamethasone and transfected with oligonucleotides for 5 days respectively. Then, total RNA and protein of HTM cells were extracted. The changes of AQP1 mRNA and protein were demonstrated qualitatively and quantitatively by RT-PCR and Western blot. Band intensities were detected by imaging analysis. There was a parallel relationship between the results of RT-PCR and those of Western blot. The expression levels of AQP1 mRNA and protein in dexamethasone-treated groups were increased initially and decreased later as dexamethasone concentration was stepped up. In the 0.04 μg/mL and 0.4 μg/mL groups, the levels of AQP1 were higher than in control group （0 μg/mL）. In the 4 μg/ mL and 40 μg/mL groups, the AQP1 expression levels were lower than in control group. AS-ODN could down-regulate the expression of AQP1 mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner. At 5 μg/mL, down-regulation efficiency reached the maximum. There was no statistically significant difference in the expression of AQP1 mRNA and protein between all sense oligonucleotides groups and control group. It was suggested that dexamethasone may induce the changes of the AQP1 expression in HTM cells to be involved in the occurrence of corticosteroid-glaucoma. AS-ODN can down-regulate the AQP1 expression in HTM cells to some extent.

Effect of persistent high intraocular pressure on microstructure and hydraulic permeability of trabecular meshwork

As the aqueous humor leaves the eye, it first passes through the trabecular meshwork （TM）. Increased flow resistance in this region causes elevation of intraocular pressure （IOP）, which leads to the occurrence of glaucoma. To quantitatively evaluate the effect of high IOP on the configuration and hydraulic permeability of the TM, second harmonic generation （SHG） microscopy was used to image the microstructures of the TM and adjacent tissues in control （normal） and high IOP conditions. Enucleated rabbit eyes were perfused at a pressure of 60 mmHg to achieve the high lOP. Through the anterior chamber of the eye, in situ images were obtained from different depths beneath the surface of the TM. Porosity and specific surface area of the TM in control and high IOP conditions were then calculated to estimate the effect of the high pressure on the permeability of tissue in different depths. We further photographed the histological sections of the TM and compared the in situ images. The following results were obtained in the control condition, where the region of depth was less than 55 μm with crossed branching beams and large pores in the superficial TM. The deeper meshwork is a silk-like tissue with abundant fluorescence separating the small size of pores. The total thickness of pathway tissues composed of TM and juxtacanalicular （JCT） is more than 100 p.m. After putting a high pressure on the inner wall of the eye, the TM region progressively collapses and decreases to be less than 40 μm. Fibers of the TM became dense, and the porosity at 34 μm in the high IOP condition is comparable to that at 105 μm in the control condition. As a consequent result, the permeability of the superficial TM decreases rapidly from 120 μm2 to 49.6 μm2 and that of deeper TM decreases from 1.66 μm2 to 0.57 μm2. Heterogeneity reflected by descent in permeability reduces from 12.4 μm of the control condition to 3.74 μm of the high IOP condition. The persistently high IOP makes the TM region collapse from its normal state, in which the collagen fibers of the TM are arranged in regular to maintain the physiological permeability of the outflow pathway. In the scope of pathologically high IOP, the microstructure of the TM is sensitive to pressure and hydraulic permeability can be significantly affected by IOP.

Existence of Heme Oxygenase-carbon Monoxide-cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Pathway in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells In Vitro

To confirm the existence of heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO)- cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) in vitro, and to evaluate the inductive role of hemin on this pathway, HTMCs of the third to fourth generation were cultured in vitro. Reverse transcripase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed for detection of HO-1 and HO-2 mRNA. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect HO-1 and HO-2 proteins. Hemin was added into the culture solution. The HO-1 mRNA levels were quantified by RT-PCR. The relative amount of carbon monoxide released into the media was measured with the quantifying carbon monoxide hemoglobin (HbCO) by spectrophotometry. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine changes of cGMP in HTMCs. The results showed that cultured cells had the specific characteristics of HTMCs. Both HO-1 and HO-2 genes were expressed in HTMCs, as well as HO-1 and HO-2 proteins in HTMCs. Hemin induced HO-1 mRNA, HbCO and cGMP in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, HO-CO-cGMP pathway exists in the cultured HTMCs and can be induced by hemin. Pharmacological stimulation of HO-CO-cGMP pathway may constitute a novel therapeutic approach to rescuing glaucoma.

Effect of CD44 Suppression by Antisense Oligonucleotide on Attachment of Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells to HA

The effects of suppression of CD44 by CD44-specific antisense oligonucleotide on attachment of human trabecular meshwork cells to hyaluronic acid (HA) were observed and the possible relationship between CD44 and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) investigated. CD44-specific antisense oligonucleotide was delivered with cationic lipid to cultured human trabecular meshwork cells. The expression of CD44 suppressed by CD44-specific antisense oligonucleotide was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The effect of CD44 suppression by specific antisense oligonucleotide on attachment of trabecular meshwork cells to HA was measured by MTT assay. Results showed that expression of CD44 was suppressed by CD44-specific antisense oligonucleotide. Antisense oligonucleotide also suppressed the adhesion of human trabecular meshwork cells to HA in a concentration dependent manner. It was concluded that attachment of human trabecular meshwork cells to HA was decreased when CD44 was suppressed by specific antisense oligonucleotide. CD44 might play a role in pathogenesis of POAG by affecting the adhesion of trabecular meshwork cells to HA.

Apoptosis in the iris and trabecular meshwork of medically treated and untreated primary open angle glaucoma patients

AIM:To compare the trabecular meshwork(TM)and iris apoptosis of treated and untreated primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)patients.METHODS:Eight treatment-naive,newly diagnosed(group 1)and 11 medlcaiy treated(group 2)patients with POAG were included in the study.Each patient underwent a limbus-based trabeculectomy.The TM and peripheral iris specimens were dissected out and were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at-80t until they were assayed.Apoptosis in each group was assesed by TUNEL method.RESULTS:The mean patient age was 60.6±5.8 years(53-68 years)vs 58.9±8.9 years(47-70 years)in group 1and group 2(P=0.859).The mean treatment time in group 2 was 22.2±7.3 months(12-34 months).Apoptotic indexes in TM and iris were significantly higher in POAG patients using medication(group 2)compared to treatment-naive POAG patients(group 1)(P=0.004,0.015;respectively).CONCLUSION:Long term administration of topical antiglaucoma medications causes additional toxic effects on TM.

Inhibition of latrunculin-A on dexamethasone-induced fibronectin production in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells

AIM: To determine the effects of a low dose latrunculin (LAT)-A on dexamethasone (Dex)-induced upregulation of extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin (FN) in cultured human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. METHODS: HTM cells were cultured to confluent and incubated with 0.4 mu mol/L Dex and/or 0.05 mu mol/L LAT-A. FN expression in HTM cells was evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Dex up-regulated FN production in HTM cells, failed to do so when co-incubated with LAT-A. LAT-A decreased production of FN in cultured HTM cells. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that LAT-A may modulate the expression of fibronectin in trabecular meshwork to achieve treatment for steroids and other types of glaucoma. It has an important prospect as an intraocular pressure-lowering drug.

Apoptosis of Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β_2 in vitro

Whether transforming growth factor β 2 (TGF β 2) induces apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells was investigated in vitro . Cultured 3 5 passage human trabecular meshwork cells were treated with 0 (control), 0.32, 1, 3.2 ng/ml TGF β 2 for 48 h and divided into control group and experimental group. The apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells was examined by transmisson electron microscopy, TUNEL technique and flow cytometry. The results showed characteristic morphologic changes of apoptotic cells were observed under transmission electron microscopy. DNA fragmentation of human trabecular meshwork cells was found by TUNEL technique. Quantitative analysis of flow cytometry showed that percentages of apoptotic human trabecular meshwork cells were (2.79±0.44) %, (4.43 ±1.17) % and (9.60±2.05) % respectively with different concentrations [1 ng/ml ( P< 0.05), 3.2 ng/ml ( P< 0.01)] of TGF β 2 with the difference being significant between experimental group and control group[(1.41±0.34) %]. It was concluded that TGF β 2 can induce apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells in vitro and may be involved in the decrease of trabecular meshwork cells in the patients with primary open angle glaucoma and aging of normal people.

Gene transfer to human trabecular meshwork cells in vitro and ex vivo using HIV-based lentivirus

AIM: To investigate whether the enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP) reporter gene could be transferred into human trabecular meshwork(HTM) cells by a HIV-based lentivirus both in vitro and ex vivo.METHODS: The HIV-based lentivirus that contains an EF1-α promoter driving EGFP expression cassette was constructed following the standard molecular cloning methods. The cultured HTM cells were transduced at a range of multiplicity of infection(MOI) with HIV-based lentivirus. EGFP positive cell populations were detected by flow cytometry. Human anterior eye segments were cultured with perfusion culture system and transfected by HIV-based lentivirus with a 1 ×108transducing unit(TU) virus in perfusion liquid. The intraocular pressure was recorded every 8h for 21 d. The expression of EGFP in the anterior segment of the human eye was detected by fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the distribution of EGFP expression was confirmed by anti-EGFP immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS: The HIV-based lentivirus which contains an EF1-α promoter driving EGFP expression cassette was constructed successfully. After HTM cells were transduced with HIV-based lentivirus containing EGFP in vitro, the ratio of EGFP positive cells to the total cell number reached 92.3%, with the MOI of 15. After the lentivirus containing EGFP were used to transduce human anterior eye segments, the EGFP could be directly detected by fluorescence microscopy in vivo.Immunohistochemistry staining revealed that 88.19%EGFP-positive trabecular meshwork(TM) cells were observed in the human anterior segment. Nevertheless,the intraocular pressure in the lentivirus-transduced group kept constant when compared with control group(P 】0.05).CONCLUSION: EGFP gene could be efficiently transferred into HTM cells both in vitro and ex vivo by using HIV-based lentivirus.

Insulin-like Growth Factor-Ⅰ Gene Cloning and Protein Expression in Bovine Trabecular Meshwork Tissue and Cells

Whether cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells and trabecular tissue ex vivo express insulin like growth factor I (IGF Ⅰ) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was investigated. Total RNA of cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells as well as trabecular meshwork tissue freshly excised from bovine eyes was extracted, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) was used to detect IGF Ⅰ mRNA. RT PCR product was verified by sequencing. Immunohistochemical stain was used to detect IGF Ⅰ protein. The results showed that a single PCR amplified product was obtained, and the sequence was homologous to the known sequence.. IGF Ⅰ immunostain was positive in the cytoplasm of trabecular meshwork cells. It was concluded that trabecular meshwork cells produce IGF Ⅰ and contribute to the presence of IGF Ⅰ in trabecular meshwork microenvironment as well as aqueous humor. Trabecular meshwork cells were affected by IGF Ⅰ not only through paracrine, but also autocrine action. Whether abnormal down regulations in IGF Ⅰ production may contribute to the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma and the possibility of promoting the autocrine action of IGF Ⅰ by trabecular meshwork cells to treat the diesease is worth further investigation.

Inhibitory Effect of Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides on tTG Expression in Cultured Bovine Trabecular Meshwork Cells

To study the effect of tTG fully phosphorothioated antisense oligodeoxynucleotides （tTG-ASDON） on tTG expression in cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells （BTMCs） in vitro and explore a new treatment alternative for primary open angle glaucoma （POAG）, the ASDON1 and ASDON2 complementary to the protein codogram region of tTG were designed, synthesized and phosphorothioated according to the secondary structure of tTG. The ASDON1 and ASDON2 were embedded in Lipofectamine and transfected into BTMCs. The untreated group served as negative controls. The expression of tTG in the mRNA and protein level were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical technique-Supervision method respectively. Our results showed that both the mRNA and the protein of tTG with tTG-ASDON1 and tTCr-ASDON2 were significantly decreased as compared with that of the controls （P〈0.05）. On the other hand, no significant difference was found between the ASDON1 group and the ASDON2 group. It is concluded that the expression of tTG mRNA and protein in cultured BTMC are down-regulated by tTG- ASDON. As a result, tTG-ASDON may be used for the treatment of POAG through the inhibitory effect on the expression of tTG.

Expression profile analysis to identify potential gene changes induced by dexamethasone in the trabecular meshwork

AIM:To investigate potential gene changes in trabecular meshwork(TM)induced by dexamethasone(DEX)in steroidinduced glaucoma(SIG).METHODS:The expression data of 24 cases from a public functional genomics data were sorted to identify the mechanisms of action of DEX on the TM.The relationships of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were enriched using Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis.In addition,the hub genes were screened by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes Database(STRING)and Cytoscape tools.Finally,human TM cells(HTMCs)were treated with DEX to preliminarily explore the function of hub genes.RESULTS:Totally 47 DEGs,including 21 downregulated and 26 upregulated genes were identified.The primary enriched results of the DEGs consisted of inflammatory response,extracellular matrix(ECM),negative regulation of cell proliferation,TNF signalling pathway and the regulation of tr yptophan channels by inflammator y mediators.Subsequently,pro-melanin-enriched hormone(PMCH)and Bradykinin B1 receptor(BDKRB1)were screened as hub genes.It is verified in GSE37474 data set.Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q PCR)results showed that protein and RNA expression levels of BDKRB1 were significantly decreased after DEX treatment,while PMCH was not significantly changed.CONCLUSION:BDKRB1 may be a key gene involved in SIG onset,providing a suitable therapeutic target for improving the prognosis of SIG patients.

Changes in Schlemm’s canal,trabecular meshwork,and relevant parameters in the early stage after SMILE of myopia patients

AIM:To observe the changes in Schlemm’s canal(SC),trabecular meshwork(TM),and anterior chamber relevant parameters after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE) of myopia patients.METHODS:A total of 58 eyes from 30 patients who underwent SMILE were divided into a low and moderate myopia group(group A,32 eyes) and a high myopia group(group B,26 eyes).The diameter and area of the SC,the width and thickness of TM obtained by CIRRUS HD-OCT5000,and the related anterior chamber parameters obtained by Pentacam anterior segment analysis system,accommodation amplitude(AMP) were observed pre-and postoperatively.The preoperative intraocular pressure(IOP) and postoperative correction of intraocular pressure(IOPcc) were measured.RESULTS:The diameter and area of the SC in the two groups were significantly increased postoperatively(all P<0.01).The TM width of the patients in the two groups were increased at 1mo after surgery(both P<0.01),but the TM thickness did not change(P>0.05).The corneal curvature,central anterior chamber depth,and anterior chamber volume decreased after SMILE surgery(all P<0.01).There was a weak negative correlation between the SC area change and AMP change in group A(r=-0.362,P<0.01).The postoperative IOP decreased after correction by Shah formula(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:SC and TM in myopia patients change in the early postoperative stage of SMILE and the IOP is decline.

Antagonistic Effects of Tranilast on Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis Induced by TGF-β_2 in Cultured Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells

Whether tranilast had antagonistic effect on proliferation inhibition and collagen synthesis promotion induced by TGF-β 2 in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells was investigated. Suspension of 1×104 cultured human trabecular meshwork cells of 3—5 passage was distributed in each well of a 96-well disk and divided into control group and experimental group. After 24 h, 0 μg/ml (control), 12.5 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml tranilast with 3.2 ng/ml TGF-β 2 were added into the incubation medium. Another 24 h later, proliferation and collagen synthesis in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells were examined respectively by using tetrazolium-based semiautomated colormetric (MTT) assay and 3H-proline incorporation with liquid scintillation technique. The results showed absorbance (A) values of the experimental groups were 0.9036±0.3017, 1.1361± 0.1352, 1.2457±0.1524 according to the different concentrations of tranilast, and 0.8956± 0.1903 of the control group. In comparison with the control group, 25 μg/ml (q'=3.23, P< 0.05), 50 μg/ml (q'=4.70, P<0.01) tranilast significantly antagonized the decrease of the A values induced by TGF-β 2 in the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells. In comparison with the control group [817.37±124.21 cpm/104 cells], 12.5 μg/ml (620.33±80.46 cpm/104 cells, q'= 4.26, P< 0.05), 25 μg/ml (594.58±88.13 cpm/104 cells, q'=4.81, P<0.01), 50 μg/ml (418.64±67.90 cpm/104 cells, q'=8.62, P<0.01) tranilast significantly inhibited the incorporation of 3H-proline into the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells promoted by TGF-β 2 in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that tranilast had the antagonistic effect on the proliferation inhibition and collagen synthesis promotion induced by TGF-β 2 in the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells.

Effects of dexamethasone and HA1077 on actin cytoskeleton and β-catenin in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells

AIM：To investigate the effects of dexamethasone（DEX） and 1-（5-isoquinolinesulfonyl）-homopiperazine（HA1077） on actin cytoskeleton and β-catenin in cultured human trabecular meshwork（HTM） cells.METHODS： The HTM cells were separated from human eyeball and cultured in vitro.They were divided into control group,DEX（1×10^-6mol/L） group,HA1077（3×10^-5mol/L）group,and DEX（1×10^-6mol/L） and HA1077（3×10^-5mol/L）group.Actin cytoskeleton and β-catenin in HTM cells of the four groups were examined by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses.RESULTS： In DEX group,there were reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and formation of cross linked actin networks（CLANs）,which were partially reversed in DEX and HA1077 group.DEX treatment also induced an increased expression of β-catenin,which was obviously reduced in DEX and HA1077 group.Meanwhile,the cultured HTM cells in HA1077 group had lower expression of β-catenin than that in the control group. CONCLUSION： Our results show that HA1077 can reverse the changes of actin organization and expression of β-catenin induced by DEX in cultured HTM cells,suggesting that HA1077 may play an important role in increasing outflow and reducing intraocular pressure.

Transforming Growth Factor-β_2 Gene Cloning and Protein Expression in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells

Whether cultured human trabecular meshwork cells express transforming growth factor-β 2 (TGF-β 2) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was investigated. Total RNA of 10 6 cultured human trabecular meshwork cells was extracted with TRIZOL reagent, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used for detection of TGF-β 2 messenger RNA, and the PCR product was verified by sequencing. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect TGF-β 2 protein. The results showed that a single RT-PCR amplified product was obtained, and the sequence was homologous to the known sequence. TGF-β 2 immunostaining was positive. It was concluded that trabecular meshwork cells could produce TGF-β 2 and contribute to the presence of TGF-β 2 in trabecular meshwork microenvironment as well as aqueous humor. Trabecular meshwork cells were affected by TGF-β 2 not only through paracrine, but also autocrine action. Whether abnormal changes in TGF-β 2 production contribute to the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma is worth further investigation.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase deficiency influences normal cell cycle progression and apoptosis in trabecular meshwork cells

AIM： To clarify how the endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS, NOS3） make effect on outflow facility through the trabecular meshwork （TM）. METHODS： Inhibition of NOS3 gene expression in human TM cells were conducted by three siRNAs. Then the mRNA and protein levels of NOS3 in siRNA-treated and negative control （NC） cells were determined, still were the collagen, type IV, alpha 1 （COL4A1） and fibronectin 1 by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, NOS3 concentrations in culture supernatant fluids of TM cells were measured. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis analysis were performed using flow cytometry. RESULTS： The mRNA level of NOS3 was decreased by three different siRNA interference, similar results were obtained not only of the relative levels of NOS3 protein, but also the expression levels of COL4A1 and fibronectin 1. The number of cells in S phase was decreased, while contrary result was obtained in G2 phase. The number of apoptotic cells in siRNA-treated groups were significant increased compared to the NC samples. CONCLUSION： Abnormal NOS3 expression can make effects on the proteins levels of extracellular matrix component （e.g. fibronectin 1 and COL4A1）. Reduced NOS3 restrains the TM cell cycle progression at the G2/ M-phase transition and induced cell apoptosis.

Effects of Nitric Oxide on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Cultured Bovine Trabecular Meshwork Cells

The effects of different doses of nitric oxide (NO) on the proliferation and apoptosis of the cultured bovine trabecular meshwork (TM) cells were studied. L arginine and N G nitro L arginine methyl (L NAME) were incubated with TM cells for 48 h. In the control group, no medicine was given. In the experimental groups, concentrations of L arginine and L NAME were 1×10 -7 mol/L, 1×10 -6 mol/L, 1×10 -5 mol/L, 1×10 -4 mol/L, 1×10 -3 mol/L and 1×10 -2 mol/L, respectively. NO 2 - in supernate, the proliferation and apoptosis of TM cells and mRNA expression of bcl 2 and bax were measured by Griess reagent, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), MTT assay and in situ hybridization,respectively. The results showed that L arginine with concentration ≥1×10 -4 mol/L could induce apoptosis of the TM cells and inhibit the proliferation of TM cells through increasing the NO levels, down regulating bcl 2 mRNA expression and up regulating bax mRNA expression; L NAME with concentration ≥1×10 -5 mol/L could induce the proliferation of the TM cells through suppressing the production of NO. It was concluded that NO in high level could induce apoptosis of the TM cells and suppress the proliferation of the TM cells.

A Study of Toxicity of 5-Fluorouracil on Bovine Trabecular Meshwork Cells in Vitro

In order to explore whether the conventional use of 5 fluorouracil (5 Fu) had any toxic effects on trabecular meshwork cells, bovine trabecular meshwork cells were cultured in vitro and exposed to 5 Fu at different concentrations. The cellular morphology, ultrastructure, mortality and phagocytosis were studied under light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and methods of Wright's stain. It was found that the toxic effects of 5 Fu on the cells were in a dose dependent mode. 1×10 -1 mg/ml of 5 Fu caused a large part of cells rounded up, while 1×10 -3 mg/ml of the drug only a rough appearance of the cell surface. Exposure to 1×10 -2 mg/ml of 5 Fu made mitochrone swollen and rough endoplasmic reticulum enlarged, with the cell mortality being 50.5 %. The latex microspheres engulfed in cytoplasm in cells receiving 1×10 -1 and 1×10 -2 mg/ml of 5 Fu were significantly decreased as compared with those in the control group ( P <0.01). It was concluded that the safe concentration of 5 Fu on bovine trabecular meshwork cells was 1×10 -3 mg/ml and the conventional dosage of 5 Fu in clinical practice would not cause injury to trabecular meshwork cells.

Effect of Transforming Growth Factor-β_2 on Phagocytosis in Cultured Bovine Trabecular Meshwork Cells

The effect of transforming growth factor β 2 (TGF β 2) on phagocytosis in bovine trabecular meshwork cells in vitro was investigated. After the cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells were treated with 0 ng/ml, 0.32 ng/ml, 1 ng/ml, 3.2 ng/ml TGF β 2 for 24 h, latex beads were added into the incubation medium, and the numbers of the latex beads in 20 adjacent cells were counted under a microscope 24 h later, after treatment with Wright's stain. Our results showed that the average numbers of the latex beads in the trabecular meshwork cells treated with TGF β 2 of different concentrations were 53.1±1.7 beads/cell, 56.4±2.9 beads/cell and 77.9±6.5 beads/cell respectinvely, in comparison with 45.5±3.3 beads/cell of the control group. TGF β 2 significantly increased the number of the latex beads phagocytosed by cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells in a dose dependent manner. TGF β 2 could promote the phagocytosis of bovine trabecular meshwork cells in vitro . It may be involved in the cellularity decrease of the trabecular meshwork in the patients of primary open angle glaucoma through promoting the phagocytosis of trabecular meshwork cells.