Distribution of a putative endothelial barrier antigen in the ocular and orbital tissues of the rat
Date
1995
Authors
Lawrenson, J.
Ghabriel, M.
Reid, A.
Gajree, T.
Allt, G.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
British Journal of Ophthalmology, 1995; 79(5):462-466
Statement of Responsibility
J G Lawrenson, Mounir N Ghabriel, A R Reid, T N Gajree, and G Allt
Conference Name
Abstract
BACKGROUND--A rat endothelial barrier antigen (EBA) recognised by a monoclonal antibody has been shown to be expressed strongly by endothelial cells of brain capillaries possessing a blood-brain barrier and only weakly expressed by fenestrated brain vessels. METHODS--In this study immunocytochemical methods for light and electron microscopy were used to study EBA distribution in the eye and orbital tissues of the rat. RESULTS--Blood-ocular barrier vessels in the optic nerve, retina, iris, and some vessels in th choroid and ciliary body were immunopositive for EBA. By pre-embedding immunocytochemistry for electron microscopy the antigen was observed on the luminal endothelial cell surface. CONCLUSION--Surprisingly, some non-barrier vessels in the ciliary body and choroid expressed EBA suggesting that it may play a broader role in endothelial properties than previously recognised. The functional significance of EBA remains to be elucidated.