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Immunolocalization of bFGF in pterygia: association with mast cells
1Casey Eye Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
Purpose:
To examine the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in pterygia and determine whether mast cells contain basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in this disease process.
Methods:
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of pterygia (n = 14) were used to study the expression of bFGF with immunohistochemistry. Seven samples were also double labeled with specific antibodies to bFGF and tryptase (a specific mast cell marker).
Results:
In all tissue samples examined, bFGF was specifically localized in blood vessels, epithelium, and a subset of connective tissue cells. The majority of bFGF-positive connective tissue cells were also tryptase positive (90.4 +/- 3.6%). Nearly all the tryptase-positive cells (mast cells) in the pterygia tissues coexpressed bFGF (98 +/- 1.5%).
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that bFGF may have biologic effects on the epithelium and blood vessels in pterygia, with epithelial and endothelial cells as a possible source. In addition, mast cells contain bFGF in the pterygia tissues examined in this study. The mast cells may serve as an additional source of bFGF, possibly modulating a variety of cell types as well as the extracellular matrix in pterygia.
Insights
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is present in pterygia tissues, notably within mast cells. These findings suggest mast cells may contribute to pterygium development by releasing bFGF.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Pterygia are fibrovascular growths on the eye's surface.
- The role of growth factors in pterygium pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in pterygium tissues.
- To determine if mast cells within pterygia contain bFGF.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect bFGF expression in 14 pterygium samples.
- Double labeling with bFGF and tryptase (mast cell marker) antibodies was performed on 7 samples.
Main Results:
- bFGF was found in blood vessels, epithelium, and connective tissue cells.
- The majority of bFGF-positive connective tissue cells (90.4%) were also positive for tryptase.
- Nearly all mast cells (98%) coexpressed bFGF.
Conclusions:
- bFGF may influence pterygium epithelium and blood vessels.
- Mast cells in pterygia contain bFGF and may act as a source.
- Mast cells might modulate pterygium cells and extracellular matrix via bFGF.