Project Details
Description
The corneal endothelium is engaged in continuously pumping towards the
anterior chamber the fluid which leaks into the corneal stroma, thereby
keeping the cornea relatively dehydrated and transparent. We propose to
continue our long range research on the basic mechanism of fluid and
electrolyte transport by the endothelium. A better understanding of this
process may help in the prevention and treatment of blindness of corneal
origin.
As in other epithelia, the transport of fluid appears to be secondary to
the transport of ions. We theorize that ionic transport occurs as a result
of the function of a hydrogen for sodium exchanger, the sodium pump, and
perhaps chloride permeation sites at the lateral membranes, and a coupled
sodium-bicarbonate symport and perhaps potassium sites and a chloride for
bicarbonate antiport at the apical membrane. In addition, cells would have
permeation sites for divalent cations. We will investigate the location
and properties of such postulated permeation sites with novel techniques.
Specifically, we propose to: 1) investigate location and characteristics
of ionic permeation sites with patch and whole cell clamp techniques; 2):
investigate the osmotic permeability of the endothelium with a
computer-linked automatic specular microscope, and study cell volume
regulatory processes; 3) refine and update existing theoretical models for
fluid and ion transport across the endothelium; 4) refine measurements of
transendothelial fluid flow and extend our studies on the rate and
time-course of fluid pumping, and study time-transient changes in the
transendothelial potential and other endothelial electrical parameters. In
most of the above, typical studies will include effects of ambient factors
such as solution composition and temperature, concentrations changes,
transport inhibitors or ionic cell membrane permeability modifiers.
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 5/1/85 → 1/1/90 |
Funding
- National Eye Institute
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Ophthalmology
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