Retinal S-antigen in human subretinal fluid.
Studies in experimental models of retinal detachment have proposed that the degree of visual recovery following retinal reattachment depends upon the extent of photoreceptor degeneration. A means of assessing this degeneration would help in establishing postoperative prognosis. S-antigen (S-Ag) is a unique retinal protein found in outer segment disc membranes and photoreceptor cells. In 36 cases of human rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, subretinal fluid (SRF) concentrations of S-Ag, measured by radioimmunoassay, ranged from 43 to 170 ng/ml (serum: 1-28 ng/ml). Analysis of variance showed a positive correlation with the duration of detachment (P less than 0.001). There was a two-fold increase in S-Ag concentrations during the first 2 weeks of detachment (P less than 0.005), with constant levels thereafter. These findings reflect progressive photoreceptor degeneration and/or ongoing synthesis of outer segment proteins in the detached retina that stop after the second week of detachment. SRF S-Ag levels may provide a prognostic indicator of visual recovery after reattachment as well as a sensitive measure of retinal metabolic activity during detachment.
Sebag
J
J
Eye Research Institute of Retina Foundation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Tuyen
V V
VV
Faure
J P
JP
Chauvaud
D
D
Pouliquen
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D019393:Arrestin; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000276:immunology*; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D012160:Retina / Q000276:immunology*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
D000941:Antigens; D019393:Arrestin; D005136:Eye Proteins