Original Paper

Expression of CD44 Isoforms in Cultured Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells
Michele D. Jumper^a, Robert Stern^b, Gei-Ming Lui^a, Bent Formby^c, Daniel M. Schwartz^a

Departments of
^a Ophthalmology and
^b Pathology, University of California at San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, Calif., and
^c Sansum Medical Research Foundation, Santa Barbara, Calif., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmic Res 1998;30:314-320 (DOI: 10.1159/000055490)

  Key Words

• CD44
• Human trabecular meshwork
• Hyaluronic acid

  Abstract

Purpose: To determine the expression of CD44 isoforms in cultured human trabecular meshwork (HTM) and to discuss their possible relationship with outflow facility. Methods: CD44 isoform expression in cultured HTM was qualitatively examined using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analysis. Results: Immunohistochemistry of cultured HTM showed intense staining with a CD44s antibody, and with antibodies against CD44 exon 7, exon 11-12 and exon 14. By RT-PCR, at least three isoforms of CD44 were expressed in HTM: CD44s, CD44v-III and CD44v-I. Conclusions: At least three isoforms of CD44 are expressed in the HTM. CD44 may play a role in binding and turnover of hyaluronic acid in the trabecular meshwork, thereby regulating outflow facility.

  Author Contacts

Daniel M. Schwartz, MD, Department of Ophthalmology
University of California at San Francisco
School of Medicine, 10 Kirkham Street
San Francisco, CA 94143-0730 (USA)
Tel. +1 (415) 476 0882, Fax +1 (415) 476 0336

  Article Information

Received: Received: October 14, 1997
Accepted: December 18, 1997
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 26