OBJECTIVETo determine the expression of E-prostanoid1 (EP(1)) and F-prostanoid (FP) receptor mRNAs in iris-ciliary bodies of the human eye using in situ hybridization.

METHODSEP(1) and FP receptor mRNAs were detected by riboprobes labeled with digoxigenin on paraffin sections of the iris-ciliary body tissue of the human eye using in situ hybridization.

RESULTSEP(1) and FP receptor mRNAs were highly expressed in blood vessels, muscles and the endothelia of the iris. EP(1) receptor hybridization signals were present in all muscle fibers of the ciliary body. Hybridization signal corresponding to FP receptor mRNA transcript was predominantly expressed in the circular muscle and in the collagenous connective tissues of the ciliary body. FP receptor mRNA was not detected in radial and longitudinal muscles.

CONCLUSIONSEP(1) and FP receptor mRNAs in human ocular tissues appear to be widely localized in the functional sites of the respective receptor agonists. Selective localization of EP(1) and FP receptor mRNAs in the circular muscles and collagenous connective tissues of the ciliary body suggests that EP(1) and FP receptors play an important role in enhancing uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor.