Immunolocalization of occludin and claudin-1 to tight junctions in intact CNS vessels of mammalian retina.

摘要: The distributions of occludin and claudin-1, two tight junction–associated integral membrane proteins were investigated by immunohistochemical analysis whole-mount preparations the blood vessels in myelinated streak rabbit retina. Light microscopy revealed that claudin-1 immunoreactivities abundant along interface adjacent endothelial cells all vessels. Electron both distributed a regular pattern (at intervals approximately 80 nm) length junctions, probably regions junction strands. No other structures or cell types expressed either these streak. Whereas immunoreactivity was concentrated only at interface, also extended into cytoplasm cells, suggesting different structural role for than junctions. Retinal pigment epithelial around their entire circumference, consistent with function as barrier separating retina from leaky choroid. Also association expression exhibit functional this protein low level in, showed an irregular distribution along, choroid, vascular bed lacks blood-barrier properties. Further, examined during formation remodelling rat retinal vasculature. Occludin evident leading edge vessel found on inner outer plexus. Numerous segments early stage regression lost expression. biological significance transient loss terms remains to be elucidated.