Abstract | BACKGROUND: Choroidal vascular regulation is mediated by the autonomic nervous system in order to gain proper blood flow control. While the mechanisms behind this control are unknown, neuroregulatory peptides are involved in this process. To better understand choroidal function, we investigate the presence of urocortin-1 (UCN), a neuroregulatory peptide with vascular effects, in the human choroid and its possible intrinsic and extrinsic origin. METHODS: RESULTS: In choroidal stroma, UCN-immunoreactivity was present in nerve fibres, small cells and intrinsic choroidal neurons (ICN). Some UCN+ nerve fibres colocalised for VAChT, while others were VAChT. A similar situation was found with SP: some UCN+ nerve fibres showed colocalisation for SP, while others lacked SP. Colocalisation for UCN and TH was not observed. In eye-related cranial ganglia, only few cells in the SCG, PPG and TRI were UCN+, while many cells of the CIL displayed weak UCN immunoreactivity. CONCLUSION: UCN is part of the choroidal innervation. UCN+/VAChT+ fibres could derive from the few cells of the PPG or cells of the CIL, if these indeed supply the choroid. UCN+/SP+ fibres might originate from ICN, or the few UCN+ cells detected in the TRI. Further studies are necessary to establish UCN function in the choroid and its implication for choroidal autonomic control.
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Authors | Alexandra Kaser-Eichberger, Christian Platzl, Heidi Wolfmeier, Andrea Trost, Anja Horn, Miriam Barnerssoi, Clemens Strohmaier, Falk Schroedl |
Journal | The British journal of ophthalmology
(Br J Ophthalmol)
Vol. 107
Issue 10
Pg. 1575-1582
(10 2023)
ISSN: 1468-2079 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 35217514
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Humans
- Urocortins
(analysis)
- Nerve Fibers
- Choroid
- Neurons
(chemistry, physiology)
- Immunohistochemistry
- Substance P
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