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Expression of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) characterizes a subpopulation of type 1 astrocytes in human optic nerve head
Author(s) -
Kobayashi Shigeki,
Vidal Ivonne,
Pena Janethe D.O.,
Hernandez M. Rosario
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
glia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.954
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1098-1136
pISSN - 0894-1491
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-1136(199707)20:3<262::aid-glia10>3.0.co;2-s
Subject(s) - neural cell adhesion molecule , optic nerve , astrocyte , glial fibrillary acidic protein , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , immunocytochemistry , population , cell adhesion molecule , neuroscience , central nervous system , cell adhesion , cell , immunology , immunohistochemistry , medicine , endocrinology , biochemistry , environmental health
The human optic nerve contains a heterogeneous population of astrocytes. In situ, a specialized subpopulation of astrocytes was distinguished in the adult optic nerve head by expression of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). To further study the biology of astrocytes, we have developed and characterized cells grown from explanted optic nerve heads and myelinated optic nerves as in vitro model systems. Second or third passage cells were processed for immunocytochemistry using antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cell surface epitopes: CD56/NCAM, HNK‐1/NCAM, A2B5, and O4. Synthesis and gene expression of NCAM were characterized by Western blot analysis and RNase protection assay. Cells grown from myelinated optic nerves expressing GFAP, but not NCAM or A2B5, were identified as type 1A astrocytes, and cells expressing GFAP and A2B5, but not NCAM, were identified as type 2 astrocytes. Cells grown from explanted optic nerve head expressing GFAP, NCAM, and O4 were identified as type 1B astrocytes. Expression of NCAM by type 1B astrocytes may provide these cells with adhesion properties that allow them specialized responses in their microenvironment. Astrocytes from the lamina cribrosa may form a functional barrier to prevent myelination of the retina. In glaucoma, these astrocytes may be exposed to stresses due to fluctuation in intraocular pressure and therefore participate in the optic nerve changes associated with glaucomatous optic neuropathy. GLIA 20:262–273, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.