[Study of pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the pathogenesis of age-related macular degenerastion (AMD) for its early prevention and treatment.


METHODS
The enzymes of red blood cells, levels of serum mineral elements and antiretinal antibodies were determined in AMD and controls. Electronic microscopy, immunohistochemical survey of the AMD patient subretinal neovascular membrane were performed. The light exposure of animal experiment was also made.


RESULTS
The levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as serum zinc were decreased in AMD patients, the ratio of copper and zinc was increase. The retinal antibody reaction was higher than that of controls, and the subretinal neovascular membrane showed inflammatory granulomatous appearance.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to age, AMD may be related to light damage, change in human defense system and chronic inflammatory process.
Wu
L
L
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences and National Ophthalmological Laboratory, Ministry of Public Health, Guangzhou, China.
Wu
D Z
DZ
Cao
X
X
Chen
Y
Y
Chen
H
H
Pan
S
S
Lu
L
L
Gao
R
R
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000378:metabolism; D016570:Bruch Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D002374:Catalase / Q000097:blood; D003300:Copper / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000209:etiology*; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000276:immunology; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000097:blood; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood
D001323:Autoantibodies; D003300:Copper; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D015032:Zinc