Aquaporin-1 expression is decreased in human and mouse corneal endothelial dysfunction.

PURPOSE To determine if aquaporin-1 expression is decreased in human and mouse corneal endothelial dysfunction. METHODS Immunohistochemistry with anti-aquaporin 1 antibody and confocal microscopy were used to study a case series of human corneal specimens, and a mouse model of corneal endothelial injury was created with injection of sterile hot water into the anterior chamber with a 33 gauge needle. Western blotting of mouse and human corneas was used to provide confirmatory evidence. RESULTS Aquaporin-1 was found to be expressed in normal human cornea and decreased in human corneas with endothelial disease but not in human corneas with non-endothelial corneal disease. Aquaporin-1 was also found to be reduced in mouse corneas subjected to corneal endothelial injury. Both results were confirmed by western blot analysis. CONCLUSIONS Corneal endothelial injury is associated with decreased aquaporin-1 expression.