Expression of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor–1 in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Abstract

Purpose: : The aim of this study was to identify the presence of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors–1 (mAChRs–1) in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in order to determine whether the RPE is a potential site of action for mAChR antagonists.

Methods: : RPE Cell lines were cultured in F12. Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT–PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of m1 receptor in RPE. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect protein expression of m 1 receptor in the cell lines.

Results: : The cultured RPE demonstrated mRNA expression of m1 receptor in RT–PCR. The m–1 protein was present in the RPE under immunocytochemistry.

Conclusions: : This study demonstrated the presence of m1 receptor in human RPE at both mRNA and protein levels. This finding indicates that RPE may play a role as a site of action for the currently used mAChR antagonists in prevention of human myopia.

Keywords: retinal pigment epithelium • neurotransmitters/neurotransmitter systems • myopia