[Adhesive properties of basal membranes of Bruch's membrane. Immunohistochemical studies of age-dependent changes in adhesive molecules and lipid deposits].
BACKGROUND
In addition to deposition of debris between the plasma and basal membrane of the RPE, different types of early and late AMD-like drusen, choroidal neovascularization and pigment epithelial detachments are characterized by splitting of Bruch's membrane between the basement membrane of the RPE and the inner collagenous layer. Because these layers are normally attached by adhesion molecules, the possible age-related regression of these adhesion molecules in this structure was examined.


METHODS
The presence of the adhesion molecules laminin, fibronectin, collagen IV and of lipid deposits was examined in 44 macular specimen (age 4-88 years).


RESULTS
Age-related regression of the adhesion molecules laminin, fibronectin and collagen IV was observed in the basement membrane of the RPE and the endothelium cells of the choriocapillaris. This effect correlated with an increase in lipid deposits.


CONCLUSIONS
The regression of adhesion molecules, especially in the basement membrane of the RPE in association with increased lipid deposits in Bruch's membrane, may explain the development of a "cleavage edge" for the splitting of Bruch's membrane between the basement membrane of the RPE and the inner collagenous layer.
Pauleikhoff
D
D
Augenabteilung, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Münster.
Wojteki
S
S
Müller
D
D
Bornfeld
N
N
Heiligenhaus
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D016570:Bruch Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007797:Laminin / Q000032:analysis; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000209:etiology*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000032:analysis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000378:metabolism
D005353:Fibronectins; D007797:Laminin; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D003094:Collagen