Immunologic basis for the pathogenesis of pterygium.
We examined surgically excised pterygial tissues from 26 patients for the various immunoglobulin classes by direct immunofluorescence. Of the 26 patients, 19 (73.1%) showed positive staining with goat anti-human IgG fluorescein-labeled antibody. Direct immunofluorescence with goat anti-human IgE fluorescein-labeled antibody was found in all 26 samples, varying in fluorescent intensity from 1+ to 4+. Routine histologic staining disclosed an infiltration of small lymphocytes and plasma cells into the pterygium. These results suggest that an immunologic mechanism, possibly Type 1 hypersensitivity, may contribute to the pathogenesis of pterygium.
D004391:Dust; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007509:Irritants; D008214:Lymphocytes; D010950:Plasma Cells; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D011625:Pterygium / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
D004391:Dust; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007509:Irritants; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D007073:Immunoglobulin E