Detection of tenascin-C in surgically excised choroidal neovascular membranes.
BACKGROUND
Increase of tenascin-C (TN-C) expression has been found in pathologic tissues in which angiogenesis occurs. The aim of this study was to investigate TN-C expression in human choroidal neovascularization (CNV).


METHODS
Ten choroidal neovascular membranes were surgically removed from 10 patients with age-related macular degeneration (n=6) and multifocal choroiditis (n=4). All membranes underwent immunohistochemical evaluation using monoclonal antibodies against TN-C and factor VIII.


RESULTS
All membranes were positive for TN-C, which was abundantly and diffusely expressed in the extracellular matrix.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the concept that TN-C has a role in cell proliferation and neovascularization in humans. TN-C, as a marker of angiogenesis, may provide novel rationales for the development of pharmacologic therapies for neovascular disorders, particularly CNV.
Nicolò
M
M
Department of Neurology and Visual Science, Clinica Oculistica dell'Università di Genova, Ospedale San Martino, Genoa, Italy. nicolo@sacip.ist.unige.it
Piccolino
F C
FC
Zardi
L
L
Giovannini
A
A
Mariotti
C
C
D015415:Biomarkers; D002455:Cell Division; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008566:Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D019063:Tenascin / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D019063:Tenascin