Neurotrophin and neurotrophin receptor expression by cells of the human lamina cribrosa.

Abstract

Cells from the human LC express mRNA and protein of neurotrophins and trk receptors. In addition, cells from the LC secrete neurotrophins, which suggests that there is paracrine and/or autocrine signaling within the LC. Neurotrophin signaling within this region of the ONH may play important roles in the maintenance of the normal LC and in such diseases as glaucoma.