Albumin in the Vitreous Body, Retina and Lens of Human Fetal Eye

Resumo

The content of serum albumin was evaluated in the vitreous body, retina, and lens of human fetuses of 14, 16, 17, 18 and 24 weeks of gestation. Albumin was detected in these tissues. PCR analysis revealed no albumin mRNA in the retina or in the lens, while in fetal liver (control) mRNA for this protein was expressed. These findings suggest that serum albumin is not synthesized by cells of retina and lens, but is captured by them. The presence of serum albumin in human eye tissues suggests its involvement in the metabolism, maintenance of tissue volume, and antioxidant reactions.