Expression of collagen genes in postnatal rabbit sclera

Abstract

Aims: To examine the differential expression of collagens in the rabbit sclera at several stages of early postnatal development from 1 day to 4 weeks.

Materials and methods: Total RNA was extracted from the sclera of 2 groups of rabbits at each time point and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was employed. The amount of message for each collagen gene was compared with the corresponding level for 1 day mRNA. Histological examination was performed for sclera at 1 day and 4 weeks.

Results: Real time polymerase chain reaction allows the quantification of message level. The mRNA level for collagen a1 (I), a2 (I), and a1 (III) were highest 1 day after birth and declined gradually during the observation period. Collagen a2 (XI) demonstrated a relatively similar trend of expression. Histological analysis showed that scleral fibroblast density was greatest at 1 day.

Conclusion: Collagens play a crucial role in active tissue construction during the postnatal developmental period and changes in the level of transcription of these genes could affect the overall structure of the sclera.