May 2008
Volume 49, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2008
Reversible Interaction Between Mucin and Arabinogalactan (AG), a New No-Viscous Polymer With a Protective Role on the Ocular Surface
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • E. Boldrini
    Research & Development, Opocrin Spa, Corlo di Formigine, Italy
  • R. Moschini
    Department of Biology, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
  • U. Mura
    Department of Biology, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
  • G. Falcone
    Research & Development, Opocrin Spa, Corlo di Formigine, Italy
  • M. Setti
    Research & Development, Opocrin Spa, Corlo di Formigine, Italy
  • A. Del Corso
    Department of Biology, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  E. Boldrini, Opocrin S.p.A., E; R. Moschini, Opocrin S.p.A., R; U. Mura, Opocrin S.p.A., R; G. Falcone, Opocrin S.p.A., E; M. Setti, Opocrin S.p.A., E; A. Del Corso, Opocrin S.p.A., R.
  • Footnotes
    Support  None.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2008, Vol.49, 2361. doi:
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      E. Boldrini, R. Moschini, U. Mura, G. Falcone, M. Setti, A. Del Corso; Reversible Interaction Between Mucin and Arabinogalactan (AG), a New No-Viscous Polymer With a Protective Role on the Ocular Surface. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2008;49(13):2361.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Purpose: : One of the most important properties of ophthalmic preparations for the amelioration of dry eye syndrome is their residence on the ocular surface. Arabinogalactan (AG), a natural polysaccharide present in conifers of the genus Larix (Larch), was recently shown to exert a corneal protective action. Mucins are the main glycoproteins which protect the corneal surface, so a relevant investigation is the assessment of the mucoadhesive properties of AG by evaluating its ability to interact with mucins.

Methods: : Mucin MUC1, a transmembrane glycoprotein isolated from submaxillary glands was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. AG, pharmaceutical grade, was supplied by Opocrin S.p.A. AG content was evaluated spectrophotometrically upon reaction with the anthrone reagent.

Results: : The interaction between AG and mucin was studied through a gel filtration chromatography approach. The two molecular species displayed, when chromatographed separately on Sephacryl S-300, well distinct elution peaks. However, a significant change in the elution profile of AG, compatible with a transient coelution of the two molecules, was observed when the polysaccharide was chromatographed in the presence of mucin, at different ratios mucin:AG (w:w). On the contrary, no effect was exerted on the elution profile of AG by different proteins or glycoproteins with molecular mass comparable with mucin.

Conclusions: : Mucin and Arabinogalactan do interact, giving rise to reversible adduct formation. This is supportive of the possibility of temporarily retention of AG preparation on the ocular surface.

Keywords: cornea: surface mucins • cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • protective mechanisms 
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