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.