Insulinartige wachstumsfaktor-1-(IGF-1-)mRNA und IGF-1-protein: Expression in den zellen des trabekelwerks im rinderauge

Background. The purpose of the study was to determine whether cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells and trabecular tissue ex vivo express insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA and protein. Methods. The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for detection of IGF-1 mRNA.To detect the protein on the cells an IGF-1-specific immunohistochemical stain was used on trabecular meshwork cells. Results. A single 240 bp RT-PCR product was obtained,the RT-PCR product was verified by sequencing and the derived sequence was homologous to the known bovine sequence. IGF-1 immunostaining was positive in the cytoplasm of trabecular meshwork cells. Conclusions. We conclude that trabecular meshwork cells produce IGF-1 mRNA and contribute to the presence of IGF-1 protein in the trabecular meshwork microenvironment as well as aqueous humor. Trabecular meshwork cells were affected by IGF-1 not only through paracrine but also through autocrine action. Whether regulations in IGF-1 production may contribute to the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma and the possibility of promoting the autocrine action of IGF-1 by trabecular meshwork cells to treat the disease is worth further investigation.