Abstract
Purpose:
We have previously shown that the presence of established neural cells (PC12) resulted in promotion of stratification in HCE cells using coculture system. We have now examined the key factors(s) released from neural cells on stratification of HCE cells with trigeminal nerve culture.
Methods:
Trigeminal nerve cells and simian virus 40-transformed human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells were cultured on opposite sides of a collagen vitrigel membrane. Next, HCE cells were cultured alone and stimulated with several neuropeptides from trigeminal nerve. The observation for stratification of HCE cells were examined by immunofluorescence analysis with of tight junctional proteins. Also, the expression of junctional proteins in HCE cells was examined by RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses.
Results:
The presence of trigeminal nerve cells resulted in promotion of stratification in HCE cells. Furthermore, released substance P and CGRP from trigeminal nerve also effected in promotion of stratification of HCE cells.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that neuropeptides released from trigeminal neural cells may play an important role in the regulation of intercellular communication between corneal epithelial cells as well as in the maintenance of corneal structure and function.
Keywords: 482 cornea: epithelium •
614 neuropeptides •
447 cell-cell communication