Abstract:
To characterize extent & rate of lens protein aggregationusing a new, non–invasive ophthalmic instrument for quantitativequasi–elastic light scattering (QLS) measurements in discreteregions of human lens in vivo.
The Optiscan 2400 was designed to capture QLS in thelens. The instrument uses a low–wattage Class 1 laserlight (780 nm), photon detector, autocorrelator, and eye–motioncompensation technology.
Images of Optiscan 2400 in operation and representativeautocorrelation functions from lens QLS analyses on human subjectsare presented.
Previously, we reported the identification of Alzheimer'sdisease (AD), beta–amyloid (AB), AB–containing cytosolicaggregates, birefringent congophilic amyloid pathology, andunique co–localizing supranuclear cataract in ex vivolenses of patients with advanced AD (Goldstein et al., Lancet,2003). Similar cataracts and lenticular AB overexpression havebeen reported in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD (Goldstein etal., IOVS 2001;42:ARVO Abst 1614; Render et al. IOVS 2003;44:Abst3063). The Optiscan 2400 affords unique and sensitive meansfor non–invasive quantiative detection and monitoringof protein aggregation in discrete regions of human lens invivo. Potential applications of this technology also includeassessment of age–related and drug–related cataractformation as well as screening for cataractogenic potentialof systemically administered drugs.
Keywords: cataract • protein modifications-post translational • imaging/image analysis: clinical