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Gelatinase B in vernal keratoconjunctivitis
A M Abu El-Asrar1, I Van Aelst, S Al-Mansouri
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. abuasrar@KSU.edu.sa
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|October 23, 2001
Summary
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) involves increased gelatinase B, an enzyme primarily released by eosinophils in the conjunctiva. Targeting this enzyme may offer new VKC treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a severe allergic eye disease.
- The role of gelatinase B in VKC pathogenesis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gelatinase B expression in VKC conjunctiva.
- To identify the cellular source of gelatinase B in VKC.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry used on conjunctival biopsy specimens from VKC patients and controls.
- Double immunohistochemical analysis identified inflammatory cell phenotypes.
- Quantitative zymography assessed gelatinase B activity.
Main Results:
- Gelatinase B was significantly upregulated in VKC conjunctiva compared to controls.
- The majority of gelatinase B-positive cells in VKC were eosinophils.
- Zymography confirmed elevated gelatinase B activity in VKC specimens.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophils are a major source of gelatinase B in VKC.
- Gelatinase B likely contributes to the pathological changes in VKC.
- Inhibiting gelatinase B release or activation in eosinophils may be a therapeutic target for VKC.