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(Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2002;43:1765-1771.)
© 2002 by The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

Expression of Neurotensin Receptors in Human Corneal Keratocytes

Tristan Bourcier1, Nicolas Rondeau1, Sophie Paquet2, Patricia Forgez2, Alain Lombet2, François Pouzaud3, William Rostène2, Vincent Borderie1 and Laurent Laroche1

1 From the Cornea Bank, Public Assistance Hospitals of Paris (AP-HP), Paris 6 University, the 2 National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Unit 339, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France, and the 3 Cellular Pharmacotoxicology Department, Quinze-Vingts National Center of Ophthalmology, Paris, France.

PURPOSE. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether cultured human keratocytes express the neurotensin receptors (NTR1, NTR2, and NTR3), to determine the presence of neurotensin (NT) in keratocytes, and to assess the influence of NT on these cells.

METHODS. Human keratocytes were cultured in medium treated with various concentrations (10-7–10-9 M) of JMV449 (a weakly degradable NT agonist). Cell proliferation and viability were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxy-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium inner salt (MTS) assay. Apoptosis was studied by nucleus labeling with a fluorescent dye and cold light fluorometry. NT, NTR1, NTR2, and NTR3 mRNA were detected in human keratocytes by means of reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). NTR1 protein was detected by Western blot analysis. Functionality of NTR1 was assessed by intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) measurement with a dynamic imaging microscopy system.

RESULTS. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed the expression of the NTR1 (mRNA and protein) and NTR3 mRNA in human corneal keratocytes. NT and NTR2 mRNA were undetectable. JMV449 induced a rapid and transient [Ca2+]i increase in human corneal keratocytes that was blocked by the specific antagonist SR48692. JMV449 significantly increased cell proliferation and viability after 72, 96, and 120 hours of culture, with a maximum effect at 10-7 M (P < 0.005). Finally, JMV449 decreased keratocyte apoptosis, whatever the concentration used (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS. These results indicate that cultured human keratocytes express NTR1 and NTR3 and that NT may exert physiological effects on cornea such as regulation of keratocyte proliferation and apoptosis.






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Copyright © 2002 by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology