Abstract
Purpose: :
Perlecan, a large, multi-domain, heparan sulfate proteoglycan originally identified in basement membrane, interacts with extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors and receptors, and influences cellular signaling. We investigated anomalies of the eye in perlecan deficient mice.
Methods: :
Perlecan-null mice were generated as reported previously(Nat Genet. 23:354-8, 1999). 3-µm paraffin sections were made from the perlecan-null mice and controll mice. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. For transmission electron microscopic analysis, tissues were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in Sorensen bufffer, postfixed in osmium tetroxide.
Results: :
(1)Compared to the normal control mice, the diameter of perlecan-null mice's eye were small. (2)The cornea of perlecan-null mice was thin with poor differentiated epithelium. (3)The lens fiber organization was irregular. (4)Inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the anterior chamber, and posterior synechia was also observed. (5)The architecture of neurosensory rerina was irregular.
Conclusions: :
Perlecan may play important roles in the development of the eye.
Keywords: cornea: basic science • retina • extracellular matrix