Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in tissue remodeling, which is one of the most important aspects of inflammatory disease. This study was undertaken to investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP) in the sclera and trabecular meshwork of glaucoma patients with uveitis. Methods: Trabeculectomy specimens of 4 patients with uveitis and those of 6 patients with primary open angle glaucoma and those of 2 patients with angle closure glaucoma were examined. Immunohistochemistry using frozen sections was performed with antibodies to MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1. Results: MMP-3 was detected in all specimens of patients with uveitis. The intensity of the immunostaining for MMP-3 was greater in the sclera and trabecular meshwork of glaucoma patients with uveitis compared with those of primary open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma patients. No significant difference was found in the intensity of the immunostaining for MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 among the specimens of patients with uveitis, primary open angle glaucoma, and angle closure glaucoma. Conclusions: There is increased immunostaining for MMP-3 in the sclera and trabecular meshwork of glaucoma patients with uveitis, which suggests increased expression of MMP-3 in uveitis and thereby implies a role in the tissue remodeling seen in the sclera and trabecular meshwork with uveitis.
Keywords: immunohistochemistry • trabecular meshwork • uveitis-clinical/animal model