Aqueous humour lactic acid and proteins in eyes with iris neovascularization

The content of lactic acid and proteins in the aqueous humour of eyes with neovascularization of the iris (NVI) of various etiology was determined. The results were analysed for any possible correlation with the angiogenesis observed in such eyes. Aqueous humour from patients with immature senile cataracts served as the control. The total protein concentration in cases of NVI (mean +/- SD, 345.7 +/- 161.0 mg/dl; n = 15) was significantly raised (P < 0.001) as compared with the control values (mean +/- SD, 30.91 +/- 14.95 mg/dl; n = 12). On the other hand, the concentration of lactic acid in cases of NVI (mean +/- SD, 45.97 +/- 15.5 mg/dl; n = 13) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) as compared with the controls (mean +/- SD, 65.86 +/- 10.9 mg/dl; n = 8). These findings show that angiogenesis is not associated with a raised level of lactic acid in the aqueous humour, whereas the elevated protein values are suggestive of a breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier.