Hyaluronan dynamics during retinal development.

We have already shown the regulated expressions of hyaluronan binding molecules including versican, SPACR, and SPACRCAN, during retinal development. Here we analyzed the profiles of hyaluronan during these periods. Hyaluronan and hyaluronan synthase (HAS) expressions in chicken retinas at different ages were assessed by slot blot and real-time PCR, respectively.

Characterization of a motif for specific binding to hyaluronan in chicken SPACR.

The chicken sialoprotein associated with cones and rods (SPACR) binds to hyaluronan (HA) in the interphotoreceptor matrix space, but the motif for HA binding is still unknown. This study was conducted to determine the critical site required for specific binding to HA. Western blotting study showed that SPACR binds biotinylated HA, and this interaction was specifically inhibited by unlabeled HA.

Medial horn supporting ligament in Asian upper eyelids.

The purpose of this study was to describe the medial horn supporting ligament (MHSL) attached to the medial horn of the levator aponeurosis. The authors examined 3 different groups of specimens: gross cadaveric samples, microscopic cadaveric samples and intraoperative samples from levator resections. In all eyelids in the gross cadaveric samples, the MHSL was attached from the superior to the medial surfaces of the medial horn, and ran deeper in the direction of the trochlea in the superior region.

Versican and fibrillin-1 form a major hyaluronan-binding complex in the ciliary body.

Purpose: In this study, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy techniques were used to examine whether versican, which is known to bind fibrillin-1, interacts with fibrillin-1 in the ciliary body and vitreous, and whether the versican in this complex binds to hyaluronan.

Methods: The new polyclonal antibodies against the amino and carboxyl termini of versican were raised and characterized. The mRNA expression levels of versican and fibrillin-1 were analyzed by RT-PCR and real-time PCR, and their protein levels were evaluated by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry.

Microscopic findings of lateral tarsal fixation in Asians.

Purpose: To identify microscopically lateral tarsal fixation in Asians.

Methods: Specimens from 19 postmortem lateral eyelids and orbits of 11 Asians (11 right, 8 left; aged 45-96 years at death) were used. Samples damaged on sectioning and samples without tarsal plates were excluded.