Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in choroidal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
Matrix metalloproteinases are a family of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes associated with neovascularization. We evaluated the expression and localization of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in choroidal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration.


METHODS
Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopic examinations were performed on subfoveal neovascular membranes that had been surgically removed from seven eyes of seven patients with age-related macular degeneration.


RESULTS
Matrix metalloproteinase-7 was expressed in all specimens and distinctly expressed in the thickened layer of Bruch membrane and basement membrane-like structure around retinal pigment epithelial cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Matrix metalloproteinase-7 was expressed in Bruch membrane of choroidal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration. Matrix metalloproteinase-7 may be an important factor for the development of the submacular neovascular membrane in age-related macular degeneration.
Kadonosono
K
K
Department of Ophthalmology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
Yazama
F
F
Itoh
N
N
Sawada
H
H
Ohno
S
S
D000368:Aged; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016570:Bruch Membrane / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D020783:Matrix Metalloproteinase 7; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*
D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D020783:Matrix Metalloproteinase 7