[Expression of insulin-like growth factor-I in bovine trabecular meshwork cells in vitro].

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells in vitro would express insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I).

METHODS

Newborn bovine trabecular meshwork cells of the third passage were cultured in vitro. The whole RNA from 10(6) cells was extracted with Trizol reagent, and specific oligonucleotide primer pair and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used for detection of IGF-I messenger RNA. Immunohistochemical stain was used to detect IGF-I protein.

RESULTS

Cultured cells had the specific characteristics of bovine trabecular meshwork cells. A single RT-PCR amplified product whose sequence was homologous to the known sequence was obtained. IGF-I immunostain was positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Trabecular meshwork cells may produce IGF-I. This finding strongly supports the possibility that IGF-I may affect trabecular meshwork cells through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms.