[Expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-1 in human retinal pigment epithelium].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the presence of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors-I (M1 receptor) in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in order to determine the role of M1 receptor in the maintenance of function of RPE and its role in the occurrence and development of myopia.

METHODS

The 3rd-5th passages of RPE cells established in our laboratory were used in the present study. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of M1 receptor in cultured RPE. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect M1 receptor protein in the RPE cells.

RESULTS

Cultured RPE demonstrated mRNA expression of M1 receptor in RT-PCR. Protein of M1 receptor was presented in the RPE under immunocytochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the presence of M1 receptor in human RPE at both mRNA and protein levels. M1 receptor plays an important role in the maintenance of function of RPE. Injection of M1 receptor antagonist into the vitreous can delay the occurrence and inhibit the development of myopia, which is possibly related to the inhibition of RPE cells function.