Purpose: To analyze the pharmacologic profile and the anatomic localization of the dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in sections of the rabbit cornea in normal conditions.
Methods: Samples of rabbit cornea were drawn. Biochemical and autoradiographic techniques were used on frozen sections. [3H]SCH-23390 was used as a ligand of dopamine D1 receptors and [3H]spiroperidol as a ligand of dopamine D2 receptors.
Results: [3H]SCH-23390 and [3H]spiroperidol were bound by sections of the rabbit cornea. The pharmacologic profile of the binding was consistent with the labeling of D1 and D2 receptors, respectively. Light microscopic analysis of the localization of D1 and D2 receptors revealed an accumulation of the two radioligands in the epithelial and in the endothelial layers of the cornea.
Conclusion: A possible role of the dopaminergic system in the control of the corneal functions is suggested.