Expression of serotonin receptor mRNAs in human ciliary body: a polymerase chain reaction study

Background. Previous research has indicated a role for serotonin (5-HT) in the anterior uvea of the eye. The purpose of this study was to examine whether mRNAs encoding particular 5-HT receptors are expressed in the ciliary body and iris of a number of human subjects. Methods. The presence of mRNA encoding 5-HT receptors in four human ciliary body samples was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction experiments using a standard methodology. Results. Positive signals for 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C and 5-HT7 receptor mRNAs were detected in the samples prepared from various human ciliary body samples. Conclusion. The detection of certain 5-HT receptor mRNAs in the human ciliary body supports the hypothesis that serotonin is involved in the control of aqueous dynamics and indicates that ligands acting on these 5-HT receptors may have potential use as intraocular pressure-lowering agents.