Human and monkey corneal endothelium expression of low-density lipoprotein receptors.

Receptors for low-density lipoprotein are necessary for high-affinity uptake of lipid and protein essential to cell structure and function. Distinct receptors for acetoacetylated low-density lipoprotein internalize oxidized or enzymatically modified low-density lipoprotein and extracellular matrix components. We identified low-density lipoprotein receptors on cultured human and monkey corneal endothelial cells by the avid incorporation of fluorescently labeled low-density lipoprotein that was competitively inhibited by excess unlabeled low-density lipoprotein but not by unlabeled acetoacetylated low-density lipoprotein. Specific uptake of labeled low-density lipoprotein was greatest in nonconfluent, growing cells and increased after low-density lipoprotein deprivation. Intact endothelial monolayers of whole human cornea also incorporated low-density lipoprotein but not acetoacetylated low-density lipoprotein. After scratch injury of human corneas, spreading endothelium adjacent to areas of cell loss internalized more fluorescent low-density lipoprotein than cells distant from the injury. Blood-aqueous barrier breakdown occurring in ocular diseases and after surgical and nonsurgical trauma may allow leakage of circulating low-density lipoprotein, which provides a rich supply of lipid and protein for endothelial use. Efficient, receptor-mediated, low-density lipoprotein uptake may facilitate repair of damaged corneal endothelial membranes and regeneration of intact, functional cell monolayers.