Detection of glucocorticoid receptors in cultured human trabecular cells

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1981 Sep;21(3):403-7.

Abstract

To evaluate potential direct effects of glucocorticoids on the aqueous outflow pathway, the cellular binding of steroids to cultured human trabecular cells was examined. After incubation of cells with 5 to 40 nM [3H]dexamethasone, specific binding (i.e., binding that could be blocked by an excess of nonlabeled steroid) was detected by measuring the total cell-associated labeled hormone. A binding affinity of 5 nM and 60,000 receptor sites/cell were demonstrated with labeled dexamethasone. Incubation of human trabecular cells with 40 nM [3H]dexamethasone for 60 min revealed that 62% +/- 7 of the specific binding was found in the nuclear fraction and 38% +/- 3 was in the cytoplasmic fraction. In competition studies, dexamethasone had a higher affinity for these sites than cortisol, which in turn had a higher affinity than progesterone. These studies suggest that functional glucocorticoid receptors are present in human trabecular cell cultures. Therefore it is possible that a direct action of glucocorticoids on trabecular cells could contribute to the decreased outflow facility observed in steroid glaucoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dexamethasone / pharmacology*
  • Glaucoma / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / pharmacology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Progesterone / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Glucocorticoid / analysis*
  • Receptors, Steroid / analysis*
  • Trabecular Meshwork / analysis
  • Trabecular Meshwork / drug effects
  • Trabecular Meshwork / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Glucocorticoid
  • Receptors, Steroid
  • Progesterone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Hydrocortisone