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Friedrich Paulsen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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expression and regulation of s100 fused type protein hornerin at the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2017Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Janine Jahn, Katharina Wild, Daniel B Abrar, Martin Schicht, Jensmichael Schroder, Friedrich PaulsenAbstract:Purpose: The S100 fused-type proteins hornerin (HRNR) and filaggrin-2 (FLG2) are members of the epidermal differentiation complex, which is involved in terminal differentiation of keratinocytes via cornification as well as maintenance of the epidermal antimicrobial barrier. We investigated the expression and possible regulation of HRNR and FLG2 at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus. Methods: Tissues of the Lacrimal Apparatus and ocular surface were analyzed systematically by means of RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immuntransmission electron microscopy (iTEM) for their ability to express and produce HRNR and FLG2. In addition, inducibility and regulation of HRNR were studied in cultivated human corneal (HCE), conjunctival (HCjE), as well as meibomian gland (HMGEC) epithelial cell line by real-time RT-PCR. Results: RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and iTEM revealed constitutive expression of HRNR in the epithelium of cornea, conjunctiva, nasoLacrimal ducts, and acinus cells of Lacrimal and meibomian glands. HRNR also was detected in tears of healthy volunteers. No expression of FLG2 could be detected in tissue samples of the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus. Real-time RT-PCR revealed a decreased HRNR gene expression after challenge with proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeroginosa in HCE cells, whereas HCjE cells revealed no changes. In HMGECs serum-induced differentiation and application of all-trans retinoic acid significantly increased HRNR gene expression. Conclusions: The data suggest that HRNR, but not FLG2, is a component of the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus, including meibomian glands. HRNR seems to contribute to the maintenance of the epithelial barrier at the ocular surface and, thus, also may be involved in ocular surface diseases.
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expression and regulation of antimicrobial peptide psoriasin s100a7 at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2011Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Maria Gottschalt, Thomas Schlorf, Regine Glaser, Jurgen Harder, Dieter Worlitzsch, Friedrich PaulsenAbstract:PURPOSE. Psoriasin, originally isolated from psoriasis as an over-expressed molecule of unknown function, has recently been identified as a principal Escherichia coli-killing antimicrobial peptide of healthy skin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and antimicrobial role of psoriasin at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus. METHODS. Different tissues of the Lacrimal Apparatus and ocular surface were systematically analyzed by means of RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry for their ability to express and produce psoriasin. The inducibility and regulation of psoriasin were studied in human corneal as well as conjunctival epithelial cell lines after challenge with ocular pathogens and proinflammatory cytokines. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression and induction of psoriasin. In addition, tear fluid obtained from different healthy volunteers was examined by ELISA for its psoriasin concentration. RESULTS. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed a constitutive expression of psoriasin in cornea, conjunctiva, nasoLacrimal ducts, and Lacrimal gland. Immunohistochemistry showed strong staining of meibomian glands for psoriasin. No induction of psoriasin was observed after stimulation with supernatants of E. coli, whereas supernatants of Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae significantly increased the psoriasin mRNA expression. Stimulation with IL-1 beta and VEGF also strongly increased psoriasin transcription. The highest amounts of psoriasin protein were detected in the tear fluid (similar to 170 ng/mL) of healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS. The results suggest that psoriasin is produced by the structures of the ocular surface and is part of the innate immune system at the ocular surface and tear film. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52:4914-4922) DOI:10.1167/iovs.10-6598
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muc16 in the Lacrimal Apparatus
Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 2007Co-Authors: Kristin Jager, Guangxi Wu, Fabian Garreis, Lars Brauer, Friedrich PaulsenAbstract:The aim of the present study was to determine the possible expression of the mucin MUC16 in the Lacrimal Apparatus. Expression and distribution of MUC16 in Lacrimal gland, accessory Lacrimal glands, and nasoLacrimal ducts was monitored by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. MUC16 was expressed and detected in all tissues investigated. Comparable to conjunctiva and cornea it was membrane-anchored in accessory Lacrimal glands whereas in Lacrimal gland acinar cells and columnar cells of the nasoLacrimal ducts it was stored in intracytoplasmic vesicles without membrane-association. Subepithelial serous glands of the nasoLacrimal ducts revealed staining of the secretion product. Intracelluar production of MUC16 is present in Lacrimal gland and epithelial cells of the nasoLacrimal ducts but it is not clear whether this MUC16 is secreted. MUC16 seems to be shedded or secreted from the epithelial surface of subepithelial serous glands of the nasoLacrimal ducts. Our results show that MUC16 is present in the whole Lacrimal Apparatus. Its distribution pattern suggests different physiological functions with regard to tear film physiology and tear outflow. Moreover, the results demonstrate the existence of so far not recognized qualitative differences in the secretion product of main Lacrimal gland and accessory Lacrimal glands (glands of Krause).
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mucins and tff peptides of the tear film and Lacrimal Apparatus
Progress in Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, 2006Co-Authors: Friedrich Paulsen, Monica BerryAbstract:Abstract The three-dimensional organization of the tear film, which is produced and drained by the different structures of the ocular adnexa, is essential for maintainance and protection of the ocular surface. This is facilitated by a class of large, highly glycosylated, hydrophilic glycoproteins, the mucins, which are usually expressed in association with a class of peptides having a well-defined, structurally conserved trefoil domain, the mammalian trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides. In this review, the latest information regarding mucin and TFF peptide function and regulation in the human Lacrimal system, the tear film and the ocular surface is summarized with regard to mucous epithelia integrity, rheological and antimicrobial properties of the tear film and tear outflow, age-related changes and certain disease states such as dry eye, dacryostenosis and dacryolith formation.
Fabian Garreis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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expression and regulation of s100 fused type protein hornerin at the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2017Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Janine Jahn, Katharina Wild, Daniel B Abrar, Martin Schicht, Jensmichael Schroder, Friedrich PaulsenAbstract:Purpose: The S100 fused-type proteins hornerin (HRNR) and filaggrin-2 (FLG2) are members of the epidermal differentiation complex, which is involved in terminal differentiation of keratinocytes via cornification as well as maintenance of the epidermal antimicrobial barrier. We investigated the expression and possible regulation of HRNR and FLG2 at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus. Methods: Tissues of the Lacrimal Apparatus and ocular surface were analyzed systematically by means of RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immuntransmission electron microscopy (iTEM) for their ability to express and produce HRNR and FLG2. In addition, inducibility and regulation of HRNR were studied in cultivated human corneal (HCE), conjunctival (HCjE), as well as meibomian gland (HMGEC) epithelial cell line by real-time RT-PCR. Results: RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and iTEM revealed constitutive expression of HRNR in the epithelium of cornea, conjunctiva, nasoLacrimal ducts, and acinus cells of Lacrimal and meibomian glands. HRNR also was detected in tears of healthy volunteers. No expression of FLG2 could be detected in tissue samples of the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus. Real-time RT-PCR revealed a decreased HRNR gene expression after challenge with proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeroginosa in HCE cells, whereas HCjE cells revealed no changes. In HMGECs serum-induced differentiation and application of all-trans retinoic acid significantly increased HRNR gene expression. Conclusions: The data suggest that HRNR, but not FLG2, is a component of the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus, including meibomian glands. HRNR seems to contribute to the maintenance of the epithelial barrier at the ocular surface and, thus, also may be involved in ocular surface diseases.
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expression and regulation of antimicrobial peptide psoriasin s100a7 at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2011Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Maria Gottschalt, Thomas Schlorf, Regine Glaser, Jurgen Harder, Dieter Worlitzsch, Friedrich PaulsenAbstract:PURPOSE. Psoriasin, originally isolated from psoriasis as an over-expressed molecule of unknown function, has recently been identified as a principal Escherichia coli-killing antimicrobial peptide of healthy skin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and antimicrobial role of psoriasin at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus. METHODS. Different tissues of the Lacrimal Apparatus and ocular surface were systematically analyzed by means of RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry for their ability to express and produce psoriasin. The inducibility and regulation of psoriasin were studied in human corneal as well as conjunctival epithelial cell lines after challenge with ocular pathogens and proinflammatory cytokines. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression and induction of psoriasin. In addition, tear fluid obtained from different healthy volunteers was examined by ELISA for its psoriasin concentration. RESULTS. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed a constitutive expression of psoriasin in cornea, conjunctiva, nasoLacrimal ducts, and Lacrimal gland. Immunohistochemistry showed strong staining of meibomian glands for psoriasin. No induction of psoriasin was observed after stimulation with supernatants of E. coli, whereas supernatants of Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae significantly increased the psoriasin mRNA expression. Stimulation with IL-1 beta and VEGF also strongly increased psoriasin transcription. The highest amounts of psoriasin protein were detected in the tear fluid (similar to 170 ng/mL) of healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS. The results suggest that psoriasin is produced by the structures of the ocular surface and is part of the innate immune system at the ocular surface and tear film. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52:4914-4922) DOI:10.1167/iovs.10-6598
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Roles of human β-defensins in innate immune defense at the ocular surface: arming and alarming corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells
Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Kristin Jager, Lars Brauer, Thomas Schlorf, Dieter Worlitzsch, Philipp Steven, Friedrich P. PaulsenAbstract:Human β-defensins are cationic peptides produced by epithelial cells that have been proposed to be an important component of immune function at mucosal surfaces. In this study, the expression and inducibility of β-defensins at the ocular surface were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Expression of human β-defensins (hBD) was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in tissues of the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus. Cultured corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells were stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of different ocular pathogens. Real-time PCR and ELISA experiments were performed to study the effect on the inducibility of hBD2 and 3. Expression and inducibility of mouse β-defensins-2, -3 and -4 (mBD2–4) were tested in a mouse ocular surface scratch model with and without treatment of supernatants of a clinical Staphylococcus aureus (SA) isolate by means of immunohistochemistry. Here we show that hBD1, -2, -3 and -4 are constitutively expressed in conjunctival epithelial cells and also partly in cornea. Healthy tissues of the ocular surface, Lacrimal Apparatus and human tears contain measurable amounts of hBD2 and -3, with highest concentrations in cornea and much lower concentrations in all other tissues, especially tears, suggesting intraepithelial storage of β-defensins. Exposure of cultured human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells to proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of various bacteria revealed that IL-1β is a very strong inductor of hBD2 and Staphylococcus aureus increases both hBD2 and hBD3 production in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells. A murine corneal scratch model demonstrated that β-defensins are only induced if microbial products within the tear film come into contact with a defective epithelium. Our finding suggests that the tear film per se contains so much antimicrobial substances that epithelial induction of β-defensins occurs only as a result of ocular surface damage. These findings widen our knowledge of the distribution, amount and inducibility of β-defensins at the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus and show how β-defensins are regulated specifically.
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muc16 in the Lacrimal Apparatus
Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 2007Co-Authors: Kristin Jager, Guangxi Wu, Fabian Garreis, Lars Brauer, Friedrich PaulsenAbstract:The aim of the present study was to determine the possible expression of the mucin MUC16 in the Lacrimal Apparatus. Expression and distribution of MUC16 in Lacrimal gland, accessory Lacrimal glands, and nasoLacrimal ducts was monitored by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. MUC16 was expressed and detected in all tissues investigated. Comparable to conjunctiva and cornea it was membrane-anchored in accessory Lacrimal glands whereas in Lacrimal gland acinar cells and columnar cells of the nasoLacrimal ducts it was stored in intracytoplasmic vesicles without membrane-association. Subepithelial serous glands of the nasoLacrimal ducts revealed staining of the secretion product. Intracelluar production of MUC16 is present in Lacrimal gland and epithelial cells of the nasoLacrimal ducts but it is not clear whether this MUC16 is secreted. MUC16 seems to be shedded or secreted from the epithelial surface of subepithelial serous glands of the nasoLacrimal ducts. Our results show that MUC16 is present in the whole Lacrimal Apparatus. Its distribution pattern suggests different physiological functions with regard to tear film physiology and tear outflow. Moreover, the results demonstrate the existence of so far not recognized qualitative differences in the secretion product of main Lacrimal gland and accessory Lacrimal glands (glands of Krause).
Thomas Schlorf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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expression and regulation of antimicrobial peptide psoriasin s100a7 at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2011Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Maria Gottschalt, Thomas Schlorf, Regine Glaser, Jurgen Harder, Dieter Worlitzsch, Friedrich PaulsenAbstract:PURPOSE. Psoriasin, originally isolated from psoriasis as an over-expressed molecule of unknown function, has recently been identified as a principal Escherichia coli-killing antimicrobial peptide of healthy skin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and antimicrobial role of psoriasin at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus. METHODS. Different tissues of the Lacrimal Apparatus and ocular surface were systematically analyzed by means of RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry for their ability to express and produce psoriasin. The inducibility and regulation of psoriasin were studied in human corneal as well as conjunctival epithelial cell lines after challenge with ocular pathogens and proinflammatory cytokines. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression and induction of psoriasin. In addition, tear fluid obtained from different healthy volunteers was examined by ELISA for its psoriasin concentration. RESULTS. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed a constitutive expression of psoriasin in cornea, conjunctiva, nasoLacrimal ducts, and Lacrimal gland. Immunohistochemistry showed strong staining of meibomian glands for psoriasin. No induction of psoriasin was observed after stimulation with supernatants of E. coli, whereas supernatants of Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae significantly increased the psoriasin mRNA expression. Stimulation with IL-1 beta and VEGF also strongly increased psoriasin transcription. The highest amounts of psoriasin protein were detected in the tear fluid (similar to 170 ng/mL) of healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS. The results suggest that psoriasin is produced by the structures of the ocular surface and is part of the innate immune system at the ocular surface and tear film. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52:4914-4922) DOI:10.1167/iovs.10-6598
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Roles of human β-defensins in innate immune defense at the ocular surface: arming and alarming corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells
Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Kristin Jager, Lars Brauer, Thomas Schlorf, Dieter Worlitzsch, Philipp Steven, Friedrich P. PaulsenAbstract:Human β-defensins are cationic peptides produced by epithelial cells that have been proposed to be an important component of immune function at mucosal surfaces. In this study, the expression and inducibility of β-defensins at the ocular surface were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Expression of human β-defensins (hBD) was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in tissues of the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus. Cultured corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells were stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of different ocular pathogens. Real-time PCR and ELISA experiments were performed to study the effect on the inducibility of hBD2 and 3. Expression and inducibility of mouse β-defensins-2, -3 and -4 (mBD2–4) were tested in a mouse ocular surface scratch model with and without treatment of supernatants of a clinical Staphylococcus aureus (SA) isolate by means of immunohistochemistry. Here we show that hBD1, -2, -3 and -4 are constitutively expressed in conjunctival epithelial cells and also partly in cornea. Healthy tissues of the ocular surface, Lacrimal Apparatus and human tears contain measurable amounts of hBD2 and -3, with highest concentrations in cornea and much lower concentrations in all other tissues, especially tears, suggesting intraepithelial storage of β-defensins. Exposure of cultured human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells to proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of various bacteria revealed that IL-1β is a very strong inductor of hBD2 and Staphylococcus aureus increases both hBD2 and hBD3 production in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells. A murine corneal scratch model demonstrated that β-defensins are only induced if microbial products within the tear film come into contact with a defective epithelium. Our finding suggests that the tear film per se contains so much antimicrobial substances that epithelial induction of β-defensins occurs only as a result of ocular surface damage. These findings widen our knowledge of the distribution, amount and inducibility of β-defensins at the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus and show how β-defensins are regulated specifically.
Dieter Worlitzsch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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expression and regulation of antimicrobial peptide psoriasin s100a7 at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2011Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Maria Gottschalt, Thomas Schlorf, Regine Glaser, Jurgen Harder, Dieter Worlitzsch, Friedrich PaulsenAbstract:PURPOSE. Psoriasin, originally isolated from psoriasis as an over-expressed molecule of unknown function, has recently been identified as a principal Escherichia coli-killing antimicrobial peptide of healthy skin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and antimicrobial role of psoriasin at the ocular surface and in the Lacrimal Apparatus. METHODS. Different tissues of the Lacrimal Apparatus and ocular surface were systematically analyzed by means of RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry for their ability to express and produce psoriasin. The inducibility and regulation of psoriasin were studied in human corneal as well as conjunctival epithelial cell lines after challenge with ocular pathogens and proinflammatory cytokines. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression and induction of psoriasin. In addition, tear fluid obtained from different healthy volunteers was examined by ELISA for its psoriasin concentration. RESULTS. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed a constitutive expression of psoriasin in cornea, conjunctiva, nasoLacrimal ducts, and Lacrimal gland. Immunohistochemistry showed strong staining of meibomian glands for psoriasin. No induction of psoriasin was observed after stimulation with supernatants of E. coli, whereas supernatants of Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae significantly increased the psoriasin mRNA expression. Stimulation with IL-1 beta and VEGF also strongly increased psoriasin transcription. The highest amounts of psoriasin protein were detected in the tear fluid (similar to 170 ng/mL) of healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS. The results suggest that psoriasin is produced by the structures of the ocular surface and is part of the innate immune system at the ocular surface and tear film. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52:4914-4922) DOI:10.1167/iovs.10-6598
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Roles of human β-defensins in innate immune defense at the ocular surface: arming and alarming corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells
Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Kristin Jager, Lars Brauer, Thomas Schlorf, Dieter Worlitzsch, Philipp Steven, Friedrich P. PaulsenAbstract:Human β-defensins are cationic peptides produced by epithelial cells that have been proposed to be an important component of immune function at mucosal surfaces. In this study, the expression and inducibility of β-defensins at the ocular surface were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Expression of human β-defensins (hBD) was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in tissues of the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus. Cultured corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells were stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of different ocular pathogens. Real-time PCR and ELISA experiments were performed to study the effect on the inducibility of hBD2 and 3. Expression and inducibility of mouse β-defensins-2, -3 and -4 (mBD2–4) were tested in a mouse ocular surface scratch model with and without treatment of supernatants of a clinical Staphylococcus aureus (SA) isolate by means of immunohistochemistry. Here we show that hBD1, -2, -3 and -4 are constitutively expressed in conjunctival epithelial cells and also partly in cornea. Healthy tissues of the ocular surface, Lacrimal Apparatus and human tears contain measurable amounts of hBD2 and -3, with highest concentrations in cornea and much lower concentrations in all other tissues, especially tears, suggesting intraepithelial storage of β-defensins. Exposure of cultured human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells to proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of various bacteria revealed that IL-1β is a very strong inductor of hBD2 and Staphylococcus aureus increases both hBD2 and hBD3 production in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells. A murine corneal scratch model demonstrated that β-defensins are only induced if microbial products within the tear film come into contact with a defective epithelium. Our finding suggests that the tear film per se contains so much antimicrobial substances that epithelial induction of β-defensins occurs only as a result of ocular surface damage. These findings widen our knowledge of the distribution, amount and inducibility of β-defensins at the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus and show how β-defensins are regulated specifically.
Friedrich P. Paulsen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Roles of human β-defensins in innate immune defense at the ocular surface: arming and alarming corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells
Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Fabian Garreis, Kristin Jager, Lars Brauer, Thomas Schlorf, Dieter Worlitzsch, Philipp Steven, Friedrich P. PaulsenAbstract:Human β-defensins are cationic peptides produced by epithelial cells that have been proposed to be an important component of immune function at mucosal surfaces. In this study, the expression and inducibility of β-defensins at the ocular surface were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Expression of human β-defensins (hBD) was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in tissues of the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus. Cultured corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells were stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of different ocular pathogens. Real-time PCR and ELISA experiments were performed to study the effect on the inducibility of hBD2 and 3. Expression and inducibility of mouse β-defensins-2, -3 and -4 (mBD2–4) were tested in a mouse ocular surface scratch model with and without treatment of supernatants of a clinical Staphylococcus aureus (SA) isolate by means of immunohistochemistry. Here we show that hBD1, -2, -3 and -4 are constitutively expressed in conjunctival epithelial cells and also partly in cornea. Healthy tissues of the ocular surface, Lacrimal Apparatus and human tears contain measurable amounts of hBD2 and -3, with highest concentrations in cornea and much lower concentrations in all other tissues, especially tears, suggesting intraepithelial storage of β-defensins. Exposure of cultured human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells to proinflammatory cytokines and supernatants of various bacteria revealed that IL-1β is a very strong inductor of hBD2 and Staphylococcus aureus increases both hBD2 and hBD3 production in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells. A murine corneal scratch model demonstrated that β-defensins are only induced if microbial products within the tear film come into contact with a defective epithelium. Our finding suggests that the tear film per se contains so much antimicrobial substances that epithelial induction of β-defensins occurs only as a result of ocular surface damage. These findings widen our knowledge of the distribution, amount and inducibility of β-defensins at the ocular surface and Lacrimal Apparatus and show how β-defensins are regulated specifically.
