Neoplastic transformation of ciliary body epithelium is associated with loss of opticin expression.
BACKGROUND
Opticin is a recently discovered glycoprotein present predominantly in the vitreous humour. It is synthesised and secreted by the ciliary body epithelium (CBE) from the initiation of CBE development in the embryo, and production continues throughout life.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a variety of ciliary body tumours synthesise opticin to characterise further its role in ciliary body health and disease.


METHODS
Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the distribution of opticin in normal human CBE, and in hyperplastic and neoplastic CBE lesions.


RESULTS
Opticin was immunolocalised to the basal cell surface and basement membrane material of the non-pigmented CBE in nine donor eyes as well as four hyperplastic lesions of the CBE (Fuchs's adenoma). By contrast, none of eight neoplastic lesions (two adenoma and six adenocarcinoma) of CBE stained for opticin.


CONCLUSIONS
The present series supports the theory that opticin is produced by the non-pigmented CBE throughout adult life. Loss of opticin expression by this tissue is associated with and could contribute towards neoplastic transformation.
Assheton
David C
DC
Unit of Ophthalmology, Department of Medicine, University Clinical Departments, Duncan Building, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK. dave@assheton.org
Guerin
Eoin P
EP
Sheridan
Carl M
CM
Bishop
Paul N
PN
Hiscott
Paul S
PS
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000378:metabolism; D000236:Adenoma / Q000378:metabolism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000378:metabolism; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000378:metabolism; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000378:metabolism; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*
D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D005136:Eye Proteins; C404108:OPTC protein, human; D011509:Proteoglycans