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Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes in human corneal epithelium and endothelium

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Abstract

Background

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are located throughout the body. The demonstration of muscarinic receptors in corneal tissue has been inconsistent. Using freshly fixed human corneal tissue, we show a complete profile of muscarinic receptor subtypes in human corneal epithelium and endothelium.

Methods

Muscarinic receptor sites were studied using immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting.

Results

Antibodies to M2, M4 and M5 muscarinic receptor subtypes bound in human corneal epithelium and endothelium. No binding was found for antibodies to M1 and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes.

Conclusions

Our studies indicate the presence of M2, M4 and M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes in human corneal epithelium and endothelium. These receptors may play a role in the regulation of corneal homeostasis, other functions, like wound healing, or the pathogenesis of corneal diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Schleichstr. 12, D-72076, Tuebingen, Germany

    Matthias Grueb, Eva Reinthal, Jens Martin Rohrbach & Karl Ulrich Bartz-Schmidt

Authors
  1. Matthias Grueb
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  2. Eva Reinthal
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  3. Jens Martin Rohrbach
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  4. Karl Ulrich Bartz-Schmidt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthias Grueb.

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The authors have no proprietary interest in any of the products used in the study.

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Grueb, M., Reinthal, E., Rohrbach, J.M. et al. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes in human corneal epithelium and endothelium. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmo 244, 1191–1195 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-006-0263-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-006-0263-0

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