Molecular analysis of neurolysin expression in the rat and bovine ciliary body.

PURPOSE: This paper deals with the capability of the ciliary epithelium to express neurolysin, involved in the inactivation of numerous neuropeptides. METHODS: Total RNAs from ciliary body (CB) were processed for RT-PCR, and the amplification products were sequenced. The whole-protein extracts of CBs were analyzed using the Western blot. The CBs were processed for neurolysin immunolocalization. RESULTS: The RT-PCR detected the presence of neurolysin mRNA in the ciliary body. The Western blot assays demonstrated immunochemical cross-reactivity with neurolysin. The immunoreactivity to neurolysin was observed in ciliary epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the ciliary epithelium expresses neurolysin.