[Expression of nitric oxide synthase-2 in specific cells of human glaucomatous optic nerve head].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the specific cells expressing nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS-2) in the optic nerve head of patients with primary open angle glaucoma.


METHODS
Double-labeling immunohistochemistry was used for labeling of NOS-2 and one of the specific cell markers.


RESULTS
NOS-2 was labeled in the astrocytes. The NOS-2 positive astrocytes were mainly located in the damaged area of nerve fibers. A few arteries had NOS-2 labeling in the endothelial cells. There was no significant labeling of NOS-2 in microglia, vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes.


CONCLUSIONS
In glaucomatous optic nerve neuropathy, NOS-2 is mainly expressed by astrocytes. Astrocytes may play an important role in the local neurotoxicity of axons of the ganglion cells by producing excessive nitric oxide.
Liu
B
B
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Neufeld
A H
AH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology
C496319:NOS2 protein, human; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II