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Hyaluronan in the exfoliation syndrome
T D Fitzsimmons1, P Fagerholm, O Wallin
1Department of Ophthalmology, St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan, is a component of pseudoexfoliation material in the anterior eye. This finding helps understand pseudoexfoliation syndrome and its ocular manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Histochemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a common condition affecting the anterior segment of the eye.
- The exact composition of pseudoexfoliation material is not fully understood.
- Glycosaminoglycans are important components of ocular tissues and extracellular matrix.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if hyaluronan is a constituent of pseudoexfoliation material.
- To histochemically investigate the presence of hyaluronan in ocular tissues affected by pseudoexfoliation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a specific staining technique targeting the hyaluronan binding region of cartilage proteoglycans.
- Analyzed human donor eyes with and without visible pseudoexfoliation deposits.
- Employed a previously described and validated hyaluronan staining method.
Main Results:
- Hyaluronan was identified coating fibrillar pseudoexfoliation material.
- Hyaluronan deposits were observed on the lens, zonules, iris epithelium, and ciliary body.
- Presence of hyaluronan was also noted on a capsular bag after cataract surgery.
Conclusions:
- Hyaluronan is confirmed as a component of pseudoexfoliation material in the anterior chamber.
- Abnormal hyaluronan findings may occur in the cornea associated with pseudoexfoliation.
- This study contributes to understanding the biochemical composition of pseudoexfoliation material.