Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the expression of a novel multifunctional Na+-independent organic anion transporting polypeptide, termed oatp-E involving the transport of thyroid hormone in rat eye at protein level and mRNA level. Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed by using gene specific primer. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were also performed by raising specific antibody against oatp-E. Result: By quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, oatp-E was expressed in rat retina, cornea, and ciliary body /iris in order. Western blot analysis detected a single band in rat retina. It was revealed the specificity of the oatp-E antibody. The oatp-E immunostaining was mainly detected in the cornal epithelium, pigment and nonpigment epithelium of the ciliary body and iris. In the retina, intense immunostaining was detected in the inner and outer nuclear layer, ganglion cell layer and nerve fiber layer, and weak immunostaining was also seen in the retinal pigment epithelium. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that oatp-E is localized mainly in the cornea, ciliary body, iris and retina, suggesting a functional role for organic anion transport in this specialized ocular tissues. In conclusion, these data suggest that oatp-E may be involved in the transport of thyroid hormone in the rat eye.
Keywords: 372 cornea: epithelium • 348 ciliary body • 554 retina