Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Characterization of Vascular Morphology of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration by Indocyanine Green Angiography
Published on: August 11, 2023
Expression of endostatin in human choroidal neovascular membranes secondary to age-related macular degeneration
Olcay Tatar1, Kei Shinoda, Annemarie Adam
1University Eye Clinic at the Centre for Ophthalmology of the Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Schleichstrasse 12-15, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
Abstract:
Endostatin is an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor which requires E-selectin for its antiangiogenic activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of endostatin in human choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with regard to vascularization and proliferative activity. An interventional case series of 36 patients who underwent removal of CNV were retrospectively investigated. Thirty-six CNV were analyzed by light microscopic immunohistochemistry for the expression of CD34 (endothelial cells, EC), CD105 (activated EC), Ki-67 (cell proliferation), Cytokeratin 18 (epithelial cells), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), E-selectin and endostatin. Donor eyes (n=7) including one with AMD were used as controls. Endostatin immunoreactivity was present in choroidal vessels of five as well as in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-Bruch's membrane complex of two donor eyes without AMD. In one eye with AMD, endostatin was detected in RPE, Bruch's membrane and choroidal vessels. Ninety-two percent (33/36) of CNV disclosed endostatin staining. RPE-Bruch's membrane complex, choroidal vessels and stroma were positive in 50% (18/36), 72% (26/36), and 78% (28/36) of the membranes, respectively. Both control eyes and CNV expressed all the investigated markers except E-selectin being positive only in membranes. Endostatin, an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor, is expressed in CNV and its therapeutic up-regulation may be a new strategy in the treatment of neovascular AMD.
Insights
Endostatin, an angiogenesis inhibitor, is present in choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV) from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. Its expression suggests potential therapeutic strategies for treating neovascular AMD.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involves choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
- Endostatin is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis, crucial for regulating blood vessel formation.
- E-selectin is required for endostatin's antiangiogenic function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endostatin expression in human CNV associated with AMD.
- To correlate endostatin levels with vascularization and proliferative activity in CNV.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of endostatin in neovascular AMD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 36 CNV samples from surgically removed membranes.
- Immunohistochemical analysis for CD34, CD105, Ki-67, Cytokeratin 18, VEGF, E-selectin, and endostatin.
- Comparison with 7 donor eyes (including one with AMD) as controls.
Main Results:
- Endostatin was detected in 92% of CNV samples, including choroidal vessels, RPE-Bruch's membrane complex, and stroma.
- E-selectin was expressed only in CNV membranes, not in control eyes.
- All investigated markers, except E-selectin, were found in both control and CNV samples.
Conclusions:
- Endostatin is expressed in human CNV associated with AMD.
- The presence of endostatin and E-selectin in CNV suggests their involvement in the disease process.
- Therapeutic upregulation of endostatin may represent a novel treatment strategy for neovascular AMD.
