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[Pterygium and mast cells--expression of basic fibroblast growth factor increase in mast cells of the pterygium]
T Nakagami1, A Murakami, S Okisaka
1Department of Ophthalmology, National Defense Medical College, Saitama-ken, Japan.
Abstract:
We examined the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) protein immunohistochemically, and bFGF specific messenger RNA (bFGF-mRNA) by in situ hybridization in the excised tissue of 5 cases of pterygium and 4 cases of normal conjunctiva. Immunohistochemical staining for bFGF showed strong positive staining in metachromatic mast cells stained with toluidine blue in the pterygium and in normal conjunctival specimens. The mean metachromatic mast cell count in pterygium specimens was increased significantly when compared with normal conjunctiva. In mast cells, bFGF positive rate was 84% in pterygium specimens, and 69% in normal conjunctival specimens. In situ hybridization indicated that the bFGFmRNA is located in most mast cells in pterygium specimens, but in only a few mast cells in normal conjunctival specimens. These results suggest that increased bFGF protein produced and stored by mast cells in the pterygium may contribute to its progression.
Insights
Mast cells in pterygium tissue show increased basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). This elevated bFGF in pterygium may drive the progression of this eye condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Pterygium is a common ocular surface growth.
- Mast cells are immune cells found in conjunctival tissue.
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays a role in cell growth and tissue repair.
Purpose:
- To investigate the expression and localization of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) protein and its messenger RNA (bFGF-mRNA) in pterygium tissue compared to normal conjunctiva.
- To determine the role of mast cells in bFGF expression within pterygium.
Summary:
- Immunohistochemistry revealed strong bFGF protein staining in mast cells of both pterygium and normal conjunctiva.
- Pterygium specimens showed a significantly higher count of metachromatic mast cells compared to normal conjunctiva.
- In situ hybridization confirmed increased bFGF-mRNA in mast cells of pterygium, suggesting enhanced local production.
Impact:
- These findings indicate that elevated bFGF production by mast cells in pterygium may contribute to the development and progression of the condition.
- Understanding the role of bFGF and mast cells could lead to targeted therapies for pterygium.