Myocilin expression in the astrocytes of the optic nerve head

We investigated the expression of myocilin in the optic nerve head of porci ne eyes by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Myocilin was localized in the nucleus, centrosome, glial filament, mitochondria, and som e parts of the cell membranes of the astrocytes. Myocilin was also detected at the edge-feet portion of the processes of astrocytes adjacent to the in ner limiting membrane and blood vessel wall. The astrocytes are the major c ell population in the optic nerve head, contributing to the architecture of the nerve axon and blood vessels. Therefore, myocilin gene mutation and ch ange of myocilin protein are likely to affect the architecture of the optic nerve head and induce various forms of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. (C ) 2000 Academic Press.