Thrombospondin as a component of the extracellular matrix of epiretinal membranes: comparisons with cellular fibronectin.
We compared the distribution of the adhesive extracellular matrix glycoproteins thrombospondin and cellular fibronectin in epiretinal membranes. A total of nine membranes were investigated with immunohistochemical techniques. Thrombospondin and cellular fibronectin immunoreactivity were observed in seven of the specimens and immunostaining for the two glycoproteins was co-localised in four of the membranes. The findings indicate that thrombospondin contributes to the extracellular glycoprotein content of epiretinal membranes and is frequently co-distributed with cellular fibronectin in the tissue. As a consequence, thrombospondin may play a role in the assembly of the extracellular matrix of epiretinal membranes.
Hiscott
P
P
Department of Pathology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.
Larkin
G
G
Robey
H L
HL
Orr
G
G
Grierson
I
I
D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012160:Retina / Q000737:chemistry*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000378:metabolism; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D019699:Thrombospondins
D005353:Fibronectins; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D019699:Thrombospondins