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Lipofuscin in human glaucomatous optic nerves.
J P Fernandez de Castro1, R F Mullins, A M Manea
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
Experimental Eye Research
|April 10, 2013
Summary
Lipofuscin, a marker of cellular aging, accumulates in the optic nerve. Glaucoma patients show larger lipofuscin particles and higher concentrations, suggesting a link to the disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Lipofuscin accumulation is linked to neurodegenerative diseases and aging.
- Autofluorescent particles have been identified in the aged human optic nerve.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize autofluorescent particles in the optic nerve.
- To investigate their correlation with aging, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of optic nerve sections from control, AMD, and POAG donors.
- Fluorescence microscopy, bright field microscopy, Sudan black staining, and spectrofluorometry.
- Transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural localization.
Main Results:
- Histologic properties confirmed particles as lipofuscin aggregates.
- Similar overall lipofuscin amounts were found in control, AMD, and POAG groups.
- Glaucoma donors had larger lipofuscin particles and higher concentrations in smaller optic nerves.
Conclusions:
- Lipofuscin accumulates in the aging human optic nerve.
- Glaucoma is associated with larger and more concentrated lipofuscin deposits.
- Lipofuscin accumulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of POAG.
