Abstract
Purpose::
Biglycan is absent in the normal cornea, but UVR exposure leads to a significant expression of the biglycan gene in the rabbit cornea, an effect that decreases after healing is completed, indicating the envolvement of biglycan in the corneal repair process. In the present study, we have investigated possible involvement of biglycan in the modulation of the survival of keratocytes.
Methods::
Keratocytes were grown in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum and myofibroblastic phenotype was confirmed by immunocytochemistry with anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibodies. Keratocyte death was induced in cell culture by IL-1 in the presence or absence of biglycan. Histone-associated DNA fragments were assayed by using a cell death detection ELISA.
Results::
Quantification of histone-associated DNA fragments by the cell death detection ELISA showed that biglycan enhanced the death rate of transformed keratocytes. Apoptotic death rate was elevated after the addition of IL-1. Coincubation with biglycan markedly increased the number of apoptotic keratocytes.
Conclusions::
IL-1-induced apoptosis of transformed keratocytes is enhanced by biglycan. Further studies, however, are needed to determine how biglycan might influence apoptosis.
Keywords: apoptosis/cell death • cornea: stroma and keratocytes • proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans