ABSTRACT.Purpose: Monoamine receptors are found throughout the body. Reports about the presence of monoamine receptors in the human cornea are inconsistent. Methods: Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were used to localize monoamine receptor sites on human corneal epithelium and endothelium. Results: Antibodies to alpha-1, beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors and to D1-like and 5HT-7 receptors were bound in corneal epithelium. Antibodies to alpha-1, alpha-2A, beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors and to 5HT-7 receptors were bound in corneal endothelium.Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the presence of several monoamine receptors in the human cornea. These receptors may play a role in the regulation of fluid transport or corneal homeostasis.

Purpose: To analyze chloroquine-induced morphological changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch’s membrane (BM). Methods: Retina-choroid complexes of chloroquine-treated Long-Evans rats were analyzed by electron microscopy. Results: Intercellular spaces between the RPE cells and BM were enlarged. Residual material from phagosomes was released into these enlarged spaces. Debris accumulated within BM and encircled choriocapillaris endothelial cells. Conclusion: There is a release of undegraded phagocytic material (rod outer segments) into the extracellular space between BM and RPE cells, following inhibition of lysosomal degradation. Electron-dense deposits in BM and choriocapillaris may lead to reduced oxygen and nutrition flow.

Background: Normal tension glaucoma is a major subtype of glaucoma, associated with intraocular pressures that are within the statistically normal range of the population. Monogenic forms following classical inheritance patterns are rare in this glaucoma subtype. Instead, multigenic inheritance is proposed for the majority of cases. The present study tested common sequence variants in candidate genes for association with normal tension glaucoma in the German population.

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.

Early treatment with 5-FU significantly increases the success rates of filtering surgery.