Abstract
Meningothelial cells (MECs) play a central role in the maintenance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homeostasis and in physiological and pathophysiological processes within the subarachnoid space (SAS) linking them to optic nerve (ON) pathologies. Still, not much is known about their structural properties that might enable MECs to perform specific functions within the ON microenvironment. For closer characterization of the structural properties of the human MEC layer in the arachnoid, we performed immunohistological analyses to evaluate the presence of cell-cell interaction markers, namely, markers for tight junctions (JAM1, Occludin, and Claudin 5), gap junctions (Connexin 26 and 43), and desmosomes (Desmoplakin) as well as for water channel marker aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in retrobulbar, midorbital, and intracanalicular human ON sections. MECs displayed immunopositivity for markers of tight junctions (JAM1, Occludin, and Claudin 5) and gap junctions (Connexin 26 and 43) as well as for AQP4 water channels. However, no immunopositivity was found for Desmoplakin. MECs are connected via tight junctions and gap junctions, and they possess AQP4 water channels. The presence of these proteins emphasizes the important function of MECs within the ON microenvironment as part of the meningeal barrier. Beyond this barrier function, the expression of these proteins by MECs supports a broader role of these cells in signal transduction and CSF clearance pathways within the ON microenvironment.
Highlights
The optic nerve (ON) connects the eye to the brain
We evaluated meningothelial cells (MECs) in retrobulbar, midorbital, and intracanalicular human ON sections of seven patients for the presence of cell–cell interaction markers including tight junctions, gap junctions, and desmosomes as well as aquaporin 4 (AQP4) water channels
For a better understanding of the anatomy of meninges and their cellular component, MECs within the ON, cell–cell contacts were analyzed by immunohistochemistry
Summary
The optic nerve (ON) connects the eye to the brain. The. Cell–Cell Interaction Proteins in MECs meninges consist of three different layers, the dura mater, the arachnoid, and the pia mater. Cell–Cell Interaction Proteins in MECs meninges consist of three different layers, the dura mater, the arachnoid, and the pia mater These layers form the subdural space between dura and arachnoid, as well as the subarachnoid space (SAS) between arachnoid and pia mater. There is strong evidence that the cellular element of the meninges, the meningothelial cells (MECs) which cover the arachnoid, the pia, and the inner wall of the dura mater as well as the trabeculae and septae within the SAS in the brain and the ON contribute to the homeostasis of the ON microenvironment [2,3,4]. Until now, MECs have only been poorly characterized and not much is known about their function within the ON microenvironment
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