Enzymes of the gamma-glutamyl cycle in the ciliary body and lens

Abstract

The enzymes of the gamma-glutamyl cycle have been found in rabbit ciliary body and, except for 5-oxoprolinase, also in the ocular lens. Histochemical studies show that gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is localized mainly in the basal portions of the epithelial cells of the ciliary body; the findings are similar to those observed in the chloroid plexuses. The histochemical staining reaction in the ciliary epithelium is more intense than in the chloroid plexus, intestine, and kidney. gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase staining activity in the epithelium of the intestinal and renal proximal convoluted tubules is confined to the microvillus border. Moderate transpeptidase activity was found in the cytoplasm of nonpigmented epithelial cells of the iris at the posterior pupillary margin. The histochemical and enzyme activity studies are consistent with the thesis that the gamma-glutamyl cycle functions in transport of amino acids across the blood-aqueous humor barrier.