Endothelia of Schlemm's canal and trabecular meshwork: distinct molecular, functional, and anatomic features

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare human endothelial cells from Schlemm's canal (SCEs) and the trabecular meshwork (TMEs) in terms of ZO-1 isoform expression, hydraulic conductivity (HC) properties, and “giant” vacuole (GV) formation. The principal study methods were Western blot, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and perfusion chambers. Blot signals for α+-and α--isoforms were similar in SCEs but less intense for the α+-relative to the α--signal in TMEs. With the anti-α+ antibody used at 1/50 dilution, binding occurred at cell borders of both cell types, but only to SCEs when used at a ≥1/200 dilution in vitro and in vivo. SCEs were more resistive than TMEs (HC = 0.66 vs. 1.32 μl·min-1·mmHg-1·cm-2; P < 0.001) when perfused from apex to base. When perfused in the other direction, SCEs were again more resistive (5.23 vs. 9.04 μl·min-1·mmHg-1·cm-2; P < 0.01). GV formation occurred only in SCEs as a function of flow direction, perfusion pressure, and time. We conclude that SCEs and TMEs have distinctive phenotypic properties involving their content of ZO-1 isoforms, barrier function, and GV formation.