Fluid transport across leaky epithelia: central role of the tight junction and supporting role of aquaporins

The mechanism of epithelial fluid transport remains unsolved, which is partly due to inherent experimental difficulties. However, a preparation with which our laboratory works, the corneal endothelium, is a simple leaky secretory epithelium in which we have made some experimental and theoretical headway. As we have reported, transendothelial fluid movements can be generated by electrical currents as long as there is tight junction integrity. The direction of the fluid movement can be reversed by current reversal or by changing junctional electrical charges by polylysine. Residual endothelial fluid transport persists even when no anions (hence no salt) are being transported by the tissue and is only eliminated when all local recirculating electrical currents are. Aquaporin (AQP) 1 is the only AQP present in these cells, and its deletion in AQP1 null mice significantly affects cell osmotic permeability (by ～40%) but fluid transport much less (～20%), which militates against the presence of sizable water movements across the cell. In contrast, AQP1 null mice cells have reduced regulatory volume decrease (only 60% of control), which suggests a possible involvement of AQP1 in either the function or the expression of volume-sensitive membrane channels/transporters. A mathematical model of corneal endothelium we have developed correctly predicts experimental results only when paracellular electro-osmosis is assumed rather than transcellular local osmosis. Our evidence therefore suggests that the fluid is transported across this layer via the paracellular route by a mechanism that we attribute to electro-osmotic coupling at the junctions. From our findings we have developed a novel paradigm for this preparation that includes 1) paracellular fluid flow; 2) a crucial role for the junctions; 3) hypotonicity of the primary secretion; and 4) an AQP role in regulation rather than as a significant water pathway. These elements are remarkably similar to those proposed by the laboratory of Adrian Hill for fluid transport across other leaky epithelia.     

色素上皮衍生因子对角膜碱烧伤后新生血管形成的抑制

背景：角膜新生血管导致角膜透明性降低,造成严重的视觉障碍。色素上皮衍生因子是一种内源性血管生成抑制剂,其对于角膜新生血管是否具有抑制作用尚不清楚。 目的：探索局部运用色素上皮衍生因子对大鼠角膜碱烧伤后角膜新生血管的抑制作用。 方法：将20只大鼠随机分为生理盐水组与色素上皮衍生因子组,每组10只。用NaOH溶液将大鼠右眼角膜烧伤诱导产生新生血管。碱烧伤后2组每日分别给予生理盐水和色素上皮衍生因子点眼,并采用裂隙灯显微镜观察和测量各组角膜新生血管生长情况。碱烧伤后12 d处死大鼠,将角膜组织固定切片,行苏木精-伊红染色观察,并进行免疫组织化学染色检测各组大鼠角膜血管内皮生长因子和CD31的表达。 结果与结论：大鼠角膜碱烧伤后3,7,12 d,色素上皮衍生因子组大鼠角膜新生血管面积均小于生理盐水组(P < 0.05)。角膜碱烧伤后12 d,苏木精-伊红染色显示生理盐水组大鼠角膜产生大量新生血管,角膜组织结构紊乱;色素上皮衍生因子组新生血管较少,角膜组织结构趋于整齐。角膜碱烧伤后12 d,免疫组织化学染色示生理盐水组大鼠角膜上皮和基质层可见血管内皮生长因子大量表达,角膜基质层可见血管内皮生长因子和CD31大量表达;色素上皮衍生因子组新生血管稀少,CD31表达较弱。证实局部应用色素上皮衍生因子可有效抑制大鼠角膜化学伤后的血管新生。     

Human corneal endothelial cell sheets for transplantation: Thermo-responsive cell culture carriers to meet cell-specific requirements

Corneal endothelial diseases lead to severe vision impairment, motivating the transplantation of donor corneae or corneal endothelial lamellae, which is, however, impeded by endothelial cell loss during processing. Therefore, one prioritized aim in corneal tissue engineering is the generation of transplantable human corneal endothelial cell (HCEC) layers. Thermo-responsive cell culture carriers are widely used for non-enzymatic harvest of cell sheets. The current study presents a novel thermo-responsive carrier based on simultaneous electron beam immobilization and cross-linking of poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) on polymeric surfaces, which allows one to adjust layer thickness, stiffness, switching amplitude and functionalization with bioactive molecules to meet cell type specific requirements. The efficacy of this approach for HCEC, which require elaborate cell culture conditions and are strongly adherent to the substratum, is demonstrated. The developed method may pave the way to tissue engineering of corneal endothelium and significantly improve therapeutic options.     

The mucinous layer of corneal endothelial cells

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to characterize the morphology of the mucinous layer on rabbit, bovine, owl, and human corneal endothelial cells. METHODS: Corneoscleral buttons were fixed using cetylpyridinium chloride to stabilize "mucus" and the tissue was prepared for transmission electron microscopy. Photomicrographs were measured to determine the thickness of the endothelial and epithelial mucinous layer in the central cornea. RESULTS: The endothelial mucinous layer was seen as a nearly uniform electrodense region on the apical aspect of the endothelium. It was found to be 0.9 microm, 0.9 microm, 0.9 microm, and 0.5 microm thick in rabbit, bovine, owl, and human, respectively. The owl endothelium had an additional less electrodense layer with a granular appearance and a thickness of about 200 microm. The mucinous layer on the epithelium was similar in appearance to that on the endothelium and across species. CONCLUSIONS: The morphologic similarity of the endothelial and epithelial mucinous layers is a serendipitous finding that should prove valuable in experimental design. Ultimately, it is hoped that studies of the posterior corneal surface will deepen our knowledge of endothelial protection.     

Leukocyte-mediated injury to corneal endothelial cells. A model of tissue injury.

Although leukocyte-mediated cell injury has long been suggested as a major mechanism of general tissue injury in acute and chronic inflammation, only limited data have been developed to directly implicate leukocytes in ocular tissue injury. In an effort to unravel the role and mechanisms of leukocyte-mediated injury to the cornea, an isolated corneal cup model was developed. For this model, peripheral bovine leukocytes were added to isolated bovine corneal cultures (corneal cup) in vitro, after which endothelial cell damage and death were evaluated morphologically. In general, corneal endothelial cell swelling was observed within 5-10 minutes after leukocyte exposure, followed by detachment of the corneal endothelium at a 30-75-minute interval. Grossly, the detached endothelium appeared as a floating sheet. Using trypan blue dye exclusion, cells in the sheet were found to be nonviable. When examined ultrastructurally, the sheet was found to consist of leukocytes and endothelial cell debris. Light-microscopic examination of the corneal cup at 5-10 minutes after leukocyte action demonstrated extensive endothelial cell damage, as indicated by cell membrane thickening, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and changes in nuclear shape. These changes in the endothelial cells were confirmed by electron microscopy. Vacuolization and swelling of the endothelium appeared as the first changes, induced by leukocyte interactions with the endothelial cell layer. In general, the endothelial cell nucleus became convoluted, mitochondria swelled, and the endoplasmic reticulum became dilated. These changes become more pronounced as the endothelial cells become detached from the underlying Descemet's membrane. Leukocyte interaction with corneal epithelium, on the other hand, did not result in cell detachment, but only cell damage. These studies demonstrate the ability of leukocytes to denude Descemet's membrane of endothelial cells and destroy corneal endothelial cells in vitro. They also suggest that the corneal cup model system will enhance both morphologic and biochemical evaluation of the mechanisms and consequences of leukocyte-mediated injury to the cornea, and thereby provide new insights into the mechanisms of endocular inflammation and tissue injury in vivo.     

Cytocompatibility of Three Corneal Cell Types with Amniotic Membrane

Rabbit limbal corneal epithelial cells, corneal endothelial cells and keratocytes were cultured on amniotic membrane. Phase contrast microscope examination was performed daily. Histological and scan electron microscopic examinations were carried out to observe the growth, arrangement and adhesion of cultivated cells. Results showed that three corneal cell types seeded on amniotic membrane grew well and had normal cell morphology. Cultured cells attached firmly on the surface of amniotic membrane. Corneal epithelial cells showed singular layer or stratification. Cell boundaries were formed and tightly opposed. Corneal endothelial cells showed cobblestone or polygonal morphologic characteristics that appeared uniform in size. The cellular arrangement was compact. Keratocytes elongated and showed triangle or dendritic morphology with many intercellular joints which could form networks. In conclusion, amniotic membrane has good scaffold property, diffusion effect and compatibility with corneal cells. The basement membrane side of amniotic membrane facilitated the growth of corneal epithelial cells and endothelial cells and cell junctions were tightly developed. The spongy layer of amniotic membrane facilitated the growth of keratocytes and intercellular joints were rich. Amniotic membrane is an ideal biomaterial for layering tissue engineered cornea.     

脱水猪角膜基质为载体体外构建猫角膜内皮组织

目的:以脱水猪角膜基质为载体体外构建猫角膜内皮组织,并观察其形态结构,以寻找体外构建角膜组织最佳载体材料及方法,最终目的是体外构建可用于移植的角膜内皮组织。方法:以脱水处理的猪角膜基质片为载体,将猫角膜内皮细胞接种于去除猪角膜内皮细胞的后弹力膜上,在添加了表皮生长因子和层粘连蛋白的培养液中培养7 d,分别观察倒置显微镜下、组织学切片及扫描电镜下内皮组织的形态结构。结果:倒置显微镜下,组织培养的猫角膜内皮细胞形成单层内皮组织,排列较规律,细胞间连接紧密;组织学观察发现,培养的猫角膜内皮细胞形成完整的内皮组织,贴附于脱水基质的后弹力膜上,与正常的角膜内皮组织结构相似;扫描电镜下,组织培养的猫角膜内皮细胞间连接紧密,细胞大小不甚一致,胞核清晰。 结论:以脱水猪角膜基质为载体,体外成功构建出猫角膜内皮组织,其形态结构近似于正常角膜内皮组织。     

Oxygen consumption by the component layers of the cornea

1. The structural integrity of the cornea is maintained by an active fluid transport system which depends on metabolism. Experiments were designed to establish the respiratory activity of each corneal layer.2. A rapid micropolarographic technique was used to determine the oxygen consumptions of the individual layers of the rabbit cornea.3. Inherent problems of the determinations have been made minimal by the use of both denuded and whole corneal tissue preparations. Four independent measures were obtained for each limiting layer (epithelium and endothelium).4. Results show that the endothelium, epithelium and stroma use 21, 40 and 39% respectively of the total oxygen consumption of the cornea. On the basis of volumes of oxygen per unit volume tissue, epithelial oxygen utilization is about ten times that of the stroma and approximately 0.2 that of the endothelium.5. The endothelium has a larger oxygen uptake than previously reported.6. The present results, in conjunction with other studies, indicate that the ratio of glycolytic to oxidative activity in the rabbit cornea is 0.87:0.13.     

Adipose tissue behavior is distinctly regulated by neighboring cells and fluid flow stress: a possible role of adipose tissue in peritoneal fibrosis

Adipose tissue, together with the mesothelial layer and microvessels, is a major component of the mesenteric peritoneum, and the mesenterium is a target site for peritoneal fibrosis. Adipose tissue has been speculated to play a role in peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related fibrosis, but the precise cellular kinetics of adipose tissue during this process remain to be determined. To clarify this critical issue, we analyzed the kinetics of adipose tissue using a novel peritoneal reconstruction model in which the effects of mesothelial cells or endothelial cells could be identified. Adipose tissue was co-cultured with mesothelial cells or endothelial cells in a combined organ culture and fluid flow stress culture system. Spindle mesenchymal cells and immature adipocytes derived from adipose tissue were characterized by immunohistochemistry. Adipose tissue fragments cultured in this system yielded many spindle mesenchymal cells in non-co-culture conditions. However, the number of spindle mesenchymal cells emerging from adipose tissue was reduced in co-culture conditions with a covering layer of mesothelial cells. Mesothelial cells co-cultured in the separated condition did not inhibit the emergence of spindle mesenchymal cells from adipose tissue. Interestingly, endothelial cells promoted the emergence of lipid-laden immature adipocytes from adipose tissue under fluid flow stress. We have demonstrated that adipose tissue behavior is not only regulated by mesothelial cells and endothelial cells under fluid flow stress, but is also involved in fibrosis and fat mass production in the peritoneum. Our findings suggest that adipose tissue is a potential source of cells for peritoneal fibrosis caused by PD therapy.     

Non-invasive assessment of corneal endothelial permeability by means of electrical impedance measurements

The permeability of the corneal endothelial layer has an important role in the correct function of the cornea. Since ionic permeability has a fundamental impact on the passive electrical properties of living tissues, here it is hypothesized that impedance methods can be employed for assessing the permeability of the endothelial layer in a minimally invasive fashion. Precisely, the main objective of the present study is to develop and to analyze a minimally invasive method for assessing the electrical properties of the corneal endothelium, as a possible diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patients with endothelial dysfunction. A bidimensional model consisting of the main corneal layers and a four-electrode impedance measurement setup placed on the epithelium has been implemented and analyzed by means of the finite elements method (FEM). In order to obtain a robust indicator of the permeability of the endothelium layer, the effect of the endothelium electrical properties on the measured impedance has been studied together with reasonable variations of the other model layers. Simulation results show that the impedance measurements by means of external electrodes are indeed sufficiently sensitive to the changes in the electrical properties of the endothelial layer. It is concluded that the method presented here can be employed as non-invasive method for assessing endothelial layer function.     

Cell interactions with perfluoropolyether-based network copolymers

We have investigated the potential of several polymers based on perfluoropolyether (PFPE) macromonomers for use in biomaterial applications. Polymer networks were synthesised from the PFPE macromonomers of increasing chain length and the adhesion and proliferation of corneal, vascular and bone cells was evaluated on these polymers. The polymer surfaces were quite hydrophobic, having sessile air-water contact angles ranging between 96 and 125 degrees. However, these polymers supported the attachment and growth of bovine corneal epithelial and endothelial cells and fibroblasts at 60-100% of the rate of cell growth on the culture substratum, TCPS. Furthermore, the PFPE polymers supported the attachment and growth of vascular endothelial cells (from human umbilical artery) and human bone-derived cells over a 7 day period at an equal level to TCPS. The relationship between the macromonomer chain length (n = 1 to 4) and the ability of the resulting PFPE homopolymer to support the overgrowth of corneal epithelial tissue was also evaluated. The PFPE-containing polymers supported corneal epithelial tissue overgrowth, with the most effective having a performance equivalent to that of TCPS. In addition to these homopolymers, copolymers comprising of PFPE and N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) were also synthesised. Surprisingly, the addition of DMAEMA to the PFPE polymer network lead to a reduction in the growth and attachment of corneal epithelial cells and fibroblasts. These results indicate that PFPE-based materials show a potential for use in the development of biomaterials in the ocular, vascular and orthopaedic areas.     

Fibrin-mediated vascular injury. Identification of fibrin peptides that mediate endothelial cell retraction.

The deposition of fibrin, a ubiquitous component of acute and chronic inflammatory reactions, has been implicated by a number of recent studies as playing an active role in inflammation. In particular, fibrin deposition has been implicated in the development of tissue edema. As the "gateway" through which intravascular-to-extravascular movement of fluid, nutrients, and cells must pass, the vascular endothelial cells play a crucial regulatory role in this process. In support of this concept, recent studies in this laboratory have demonstrated that endothelial cells retract not only in the presence of fibrin but also in the presence of low molecular weight cleavage products of fibrinogen. It was further shown that this reaction was 1) specific for both vascular and corneal endothelial cells, 2) nontoxic, and 3) completely reversible. The present work examined the physiochemical nature of these endothelial-cell reactive factors. It was demonstrated by the use of enzymatically derived and synthetic fibrinogen peptides, that the active soluble fibrinogen-derived factor was associated with the amino-terminal end of the B chain of fibrinogen. The active factor has been tentatively identified as the B beta peptides, which is a primary plasmin cleavage product of fibrinogen and contains the thrombin-generated fibrinopeptide B. It is thus suggested that soluble, endothelial-cell-reactive peptides are released during both fibrinogenesis and fibrinolysis and, as such, modulate endothelial cell functions in vivo.     

血管内皮生长因子及其受体家族在角膜组织及角膜病变中的作用和研究进展

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factors are a family of multifunctional cytokines that can enhance vascular permeability, induce angiogenesis, promote endothelial cell growth and migration, and inhibit cell apoptosis. OBJECTIVE: To elaborate the latest progress in the role of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in the corneal tissue. METHODS: A computer-based search of PubMed databases was performed for relevant articles published from 2005 to 2015. The key words were “vascular endothelial growth factor, cornea”. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 43 articles were included in result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors are involved in the regulation of corneal neovascularization by causing Tip cell activation that affects the Notch signaling pathways. Corneal lymphatic regeneration mainly relies on macrophages to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor-C or vascular endothelial growth factor-D that further activate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 in the lymphatic endothelial cells to cause cell proliferation and migration, and eventually lead to the formation of new lymphatic vessels. But herpes simplex keratitis HSK induces the corneal lymphatic regeneration by vascular endothelial growth factor-A/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 pathway. Vascular endothelial growth factor family can significantly improve the damaged corneal nerve endings, epithelium and corneal sensitivity, has the function of nerve nutrition and promote restoration of the corneal epithelium.       

小鼠角膜的发生与细胞凋亡

目的 通过观察小鼠角膜的发生过程,探讨角膜细胞的增殖与凋亡对角膜结构修复与塑形的作用。方法 各日龄共计120只小鼠,用HE染色或4’,6-二脒基-2-苯基吲哚（DAPI）染色对小鼠角膜的一般结构进行观察;用5′-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷（BrdU）技术标记角膜增殖细胞和免疫荧光法标记干细胞和凋亡细胞。结果 胚胎发育及出生后早期,角膜以实质层的发育为主。出生14d（P14）左右,角膜上皮细胞层开始增殖分化为两层细胞,同时内皮细胞也开始分化。至P30时,我们可以辨别出角膜的6层结构。BrdU阳性细胞主要存在实质层中的成纤维细胞,出生以后也可见于角膜上皮细胞层和内皮细胞层。随着角膜发育,P10左右,其他层的BrdU阳性细胞都消失,仅存在于角膜上皮细胞层。增殖细胞核抗原（PCNA）阳性细胞在发育早期散在分布于角膜的各层,P14以后PCNA阳性细胞均匀的分布于角膜上皮细胞的基底层,并维持在稳定状态。在角膜发育早期,在各层可见许多细胞凋亡。结论 角膜的发育与其感光功能形成的过程相一致,角膜干细胞的增殖与其修复有关;有大量的凋亡细胞参与角膜结构的塑形。     

Measurement of corneal endothelial impedance with non-invasive external electrodes--a theoretical study

The corneal endothelial cell layer function is critical for the maintenance of hydration and transparency of the cornea. Recent advances in corneal lamellar transplantation point to the need for reliable, non-invasive and rapid endothelial function assessment. Findings using an invasive electrode in an experimental animal model have suggested an association between bioimpedance parameters and endothelial cell function. Currently, however there is no clinical device that allows for non-invasive measurements of endothelial layer electrical impedance. This report is a finite element simulation study that models the human eye. It evaluates the feasibility of using external non-invasive electrodes to detect changes in endothelial layer electrical properties as a function of electrode location and measurement frequencies. The findings show that the ratio between the potential recorded at low and high frequencies is sensitive to changes in endothelial resistivity as well as endothelial capacitance. Moreover, the optimal electrode configuration yielding the highest sensitivity is one where the current injecting electrodes are oppose to each other and the voltage recording electrodes are adjacent to the current injecting electrodes. This first-order theoretical study suggests that a non-invasive device which measures electrical properties of the endothelial layer from the exterior of the eye could be developed. Clearly further animal and human studies are required to develop a reliable clinical tool.     

Cartographic system for spatial distribution analysis of corneal endothelial cells

A combined cartographic and morphometric endothelium analyser has been developed by integrating the HISTO 2000 histological imaging and analysis system with a prototype human corneal endothelium analyser. The complete system allows the elaboration and analysis of cartographies of corneal endothelial tissue, and hence the in vitro study of the spatial distribution of corneal endothelial cells, according to their regional morphometric characteristics (cell size and polygonality). The global cartographic reconstruction is obtained by sequential integration of the data analysed for each microscopic field. Subsequently, the location of each microscopically analysed field is referred to its real position on the histologic preparation by means of X-Y co-ordinates; both are provided by micrometric optoelectronic sensors installed on the optical microscope stage. Some cartographies of an excised human corneal keratoconus button in vitro are also presented. These cartographic images allow a macroscopic view of endothelial cells analysed microscopically. Parametric colour images show the spatial distribution of endothelial cells, according to their specific morphometric parameters, and exhibit the variability in size and cellular shape which depend on the analysed area.     

角膜体外重构异种生物载体材料植入性实验研究

目的：分析测定异种（猪）角膜基质组织免疫原性，观察其角膜层间植入后与受体角膜愈合情况，以评价该材料生物相容性，并在此载体上体外重构角膜内皮组织，探讨其作为角膜重建载体材料可行性。 方法： (1)将新鲜、脱水两种猪角膜基质植片分别植入F344大鼠角膜基质层间，术后12、90 d对外周血进行CD25和CD4/CD8双色免疫荧光标记，流式细胞仪测定分析。(2)猪角膜基质植入新西兰白兔角膜层间，定期临床观察植片愈合情况，并取受体兔角膜进行组织学观察。(3)将猫角膜内皮细胞接种于保留后弹力层的脱水猪角膜基质上，加入培养液培养7 d，组织学观察体外重构的角膜内皮组织形态结构。 结果： (1)测得新鲜组、脱水组大鼠外周血T淋巴细胞CD4＋CD25＋、CD8＋CD25＋双阳性表达率及CD4＋/CD8＋比值与同基因移植组、阴性对照组比较无显著差异（P>0.05）。(2)兔眼临床观察：全部植片存活，12只术眼未见有角膜水肿混浊、角膜新生血管、排斥反应发生，新鲜植片在2个月左右已透明，脱水植片在6个月后透明。兔角膜组织学观察：新鲜植片4个月时与兔角膜基质相融愈合，脱水植片经角膜细胞再分布、胶原纤维改建重塑于8个月后与兔角膜基质相融愈合，两组植片愈合过程中未见有淋巴细胞浸润及新生血管生成。(3)体外重构的内皮组织形态结构与正常内皮层相似。 结论： 异种（猪）角膜基质免疫原性低，具有良好的生物相容性，是目前较为理想的角膜体外重构载体材料。     

Load partitioning influences the mechanical response of articular cartilage

The role of the fluid within articular cartilage as affected by the load-sharing mechanism and its potential, beneficial effects were assessed with the u-p finite element method. The mechanical behavior of cartilage as it covers the surface of a diarthrodial joint was evaluated when the partitioning of an applied stress to the solid and fluid phases of the tissue was varied. Comparisons were made in the response of the cartilage when 0%, 25%, 50%, or 75% of the applied stress was supported by the fluid at the surface. Substantial changes in the behavior of the tissue were observed for each load case. As the fluid sustained a larger portion of the applied stress, several parameters were affected; the fluid pressure within the cartilage layer remained at a higher value, the stress and strain generated in the solid matrix decreased while the compression of the cartilage layer decreased. These findings indicate that an increased loadpartitioning to the fluid phase in cartilage may perform the function of shielding the solid matrix from excessive stresses. This could also potentially alter the mechanical environment around the chondrocytes, influencing metabolic activity and homeostasis.     

Aquaporin water channels and endothelial cell function

The aquaporins (AQP) are a family of homologous water channels expressed in many epithelial and endothelial cell types involved in fluid transport. AQP1 protein is strongly expressed in most microvascular endothelia outside of the brain, as well as in endothelial cells in cornea, intestinal lacteals, and other tissues. AQP4 is expressed in astroglial foot processes adjacent to endothelial cells in the central nervous system. Transgenic mice lacking aquaporins have been useful in defining their role in mammalian physiology. Mice lacking AQP1 manifest defective urinary concentrating ability, in part because of decreased water permeability in renal vasa recta microvessels. These mice also show a defect in dietary fat processing that may involve chylomicron absorption by intestinal lacteals, as well as defective active fluid transport across the corneal endothelium. AQP1 might also play a role in tumour angiogenesis and in renal microvessel structural adaptation. However, AQP1 in most endothelial tissues does not appear to have a physiological function despite its role in osmotically driven water transport. For example, mice lacking AQP1 have low alveolar-capillary water permeability but unimpaired lung fluid absorption, as well as unimpaired saliva and tear secretion, aqueous fluid outflow, and pleural and peritoneal fluid transport. In the central nervous system mice lacking AQP4 are partially protected from brain oedema in water intoxication and ischaemic models of brain injury. Therefore, although the role of aquaporins in epithelial fluid transport is in most cases well-understood, there remain many questions about the role of aquaporins in endothelial cell function. It is unclear why many leaky microvessels strongly express AQP1 without apparent functional significance. Improved understanding of aquaporin-endothelial biology may lead to novel therapies for human disease, such as pharmacological modulation of corneal fluid transport, renal fluid clearance and intestinal absorption.     

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.