Immunolocalization of transcription factor AP1 in human ocular surface epithelia

Author: Saika Shizuya   Kawashima Yoshiji   Miyamoto Takeshi   Okada Yuka   Katoh Tadashi   Shirai Kumi   Yamanaka Osamu   Ohnishi Yoshitaka   Ooshima Akira   Kao Winston W.-Y.  

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

ISSN: 0271-3683

Source: Current Eye Research, Vol.18, Iss.6, 1999-06, pp. : 477-489

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Abstract

Purpose . The present study examined whether normal human ocular surfcae epithelia express AP1 components. Changes in expression patterns of these components in a case of ocular surface epithelial dysplasia was also evaluated before and after topical mitomycin C treatment. Methods . Specimens of normal corneas (n = 2) and conjunctiva (n = 4) were obtained from 4 patients during cataract surgery or post mortem , while specimens of dysplastic epithelial tissue from the limbus were obtained from one patient. Specimens were immunohistochemically studied using antibodies against components of AP1. Results . The normal corneal epithelium showed no staining with antibodies against c-Fos, Fra-2, FosB, c-Jun or JunB, whereas the limbal and bulbar conjunctival epithelia were positive for c-Fos, Fra-2, and c-Jun. Anti-FosB and -JunB antibodies reacted weakly with the conjunctival epithelium. JunD was absent in normal corneal and conjunctival epithelia. The dsyplastic epithelium showed positive labelling for c-Fos, Fra-2, c-Jun, and JunD throughout its thickness. Fra-1 was present in all specimens of epithelia examined. The dysplastic epithelium treated with mitomycin C was not labeled by anti-c-Fos or -Fra-2 antibody. Conclusion . Individual AP1 components show specific expression patterns in normal ocular surface epithelia and a case of dysplastic epithelium before and after topical MMC treatment, implying that these factors may play important roles in modulating epithelial cell function, e.g., proliferation and differentiation.