Matrix metalloproteinases expression in choroidal neovascular membranes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in choroidal neovascular membranes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
Seventeen choroidal neovascular membranes surgically removed from AMD patients with pars plana vitrectomy and subretinal membranes peeling were investigated. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was determined with immunohistochemical technique.


RESULTS
Immunohistochemistry staining in choroidal neovascular membranes for MMP-2 and MMP-9 was observed in 17 specimens. There was no detective of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in normal retinas.


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-2 and MMP-9 were found in choroidal neovascular membranes, may degrade the Bruch membrane and be associated with the perforation of new vessels into Bruch membrane, involving a basic pathogenic process of AMD.
Zeng
Jun
J
Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha 410011, China.
Jiang
Deyong
D
Liu
Xiangping
X
Zhu
Xiaohua
X
Tang
Luosheng
L
D000368:Aged; D016570:Bruch Membrane / Q000201:enzymology*; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D014821:Vitrectomy
D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9