Background Trabecular meshwork （TM） cell volume may be an important determinant of aqueous humor outflow in the eye. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Hepll domain peptides V on corneal permeability, corneal endothelial cells, intraocular pressure （lOP） and morphology of trabecular meshwork in rats. Methods The lOP of rat eyes was measured before and 3, 5, 7 and 8 hours after topical delivery of Hepll domain peptides V through intracameral injections. The peptide＇s concentration in aqueous humor was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. The shape and density of endothelial cells were observed by laser confocal microscopy 8 hours, 3 and 14 days after intracameral injections of Hepll domain peptides V. The morphological changes in TM of rat eyes were assessed by transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. Results Intracameral injection of Hepll domain peptides V significantly （P 〈0.001） decreased lOP by （5.71±2.10） mmHg in rats at 5 hours after injection. There were no obvious changes of the shape and the density of corneal endothelial cells. In addition, morphological changes in the TM of rats were observed including the expansion of intercellular spaces in the juxtacanalicular meshwork, removal of extracellular material, cellular relaxation, and cytoskeleton reorganization. Conclusions Hepll domain peptides V could not penetrate cornea and was safe to corneal endothelial cells. Hepll domain peptides V could significantly decrease lOP in rat probably by disorganizing actin cytoskeleton and cell-junction in the TM.
ZHANG Qing-wei WANG Ning-li LIU Xu-yang CHEN Feng-hua LI Ping-yu WANG Xiao-zhen
