Regional differences in endothelial cell cytoskeleton, junctional proteins and phosphorylated tyrosine labeling in the porcine vortex vein system. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Priscilla Ern Zhi; Yu, Paula K.; Yang, Hongfang; Cringle, Stephen J.; Yu, Dao-Yi
• Is Part Of: Experimental eye research. Volume 172(2018)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Endothelial cells -- Endothelial phenotype heterogeneity -- Vortex vein system -- Choroid -- Cytoskeleton -- Porcine eye -- Junctional proteins -- Intramural cells; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye -- Periodicals; Œil -- Périodiques; Ophthalmology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 612.8405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.03.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-4835

Abstract

Abstract: We previously demonstrated endothelial phenotype heterogeneity in the vortex vein system. This study is to further determine whether regional differences are present in the cytoskeleton, junctional proteins and phosphorylated tyrosine labeling within the system. The vortex vein system of twenty porcine eyes was perfused with labels for f-actin, claudin-5, VE-Cadherin, phosphorylated tyrosine and nucleic acid. The endothelial cells of eight different regions (choroidal veins, pre-ampulla, anterior ampulla, mid-ampulla, posterior ampulla, post-ampulla, intra-scleral canal and the extra-ocular vortex vein) were studied using confocal microscopy. There were regional differences in the endothelial cell structures. Cytoskeleton labeling was relatively even in intensity throughout Regions 1 to 6. Overall VE-Cadherin had a non-uniform distribution and thicker width endothelial cell border staining than claudin-5. Progressing downstream there was an increased variation in thickness of VE-cadherin labeling. There was an overlap in phosphorylated tyrosine and VE-Cadherin labeling in the post-ampulla, intra-scleral canal and extra-ocular vortex vein. Intramural cells were observed that were immune-positive for VE-Cadherin and phosphorylated tyrosine. There were significant differences in the number of intramural cells in different regions. Significant regional differences with endothelial cell labeling of cytoskeleton, junction proteins, and phosphorylated tyrosine were found within the vortex vein system. These findings support existing data on endothelial cell phenotype heterogeneity, and may aid in the knowledge of venous pathologies by understanding regions of vulnerability to endothelial damage within the vortex vein system. It could be valuable to further investigate and characterize the VE-cadherin and phosphotyrosine immune-positive intramural cells. Highlights: Adherens and tight junction proteins are present in vortex vein endothelia. VE-cadherin distribution is generally even, with the exception of Regions 6, 7 and 8. Claudin-5 labelling is generally absent from extraocular vortex vein endothelia. An increased presence of phosphorylated tyrosine is observed in Regions 7 and 8. Unidentified intramural cells are present with disparate distribution throughout.