Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in choroidal neovascular membranes from age-related macular degeneration patients.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in human choroidal neovascular membranes.


METHODS
Paraffin-embedded sections of choroidal neovascular membranes excised from 16 patients with wet age-related macular degeneration were used for this study. Sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal mouse antihuman COX-2 antibody. Staining was classified as either negative or positive in retinal pigment epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Serial sections were stained for vimentin expression to confirm tissue antigenicity.


RESULTS
Eleven of 16 (69%) choroidal neovascular membranes stained positive for COX-2 in retinal pigment epithelial cells, with 6 (38%) of these also expressing COX-2 in vascular endothelial cells and 6 (38%) in fibroblasts. None of the sections that were negative for COX-2 in the retinal pigment epithelial cells showed COX-2 expression in the other cell types assessed. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0097) in the mean ages between the COX-2 positive group (65.6 years) and COX-2 negative group (76.8 years) as determined by a two-tailed, unpaired Student's t-test.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of COX-2 in human choroidal neovascular membranes suggests a possible role for this modulator in age-related macular degeneration pathogenesis. The age-dependent expression observed is novel and warrants further investigation.
Maloney
Shawn C
SC
The Henry C. Witelson Ocular Pathology Laboratory and Registry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. shawn.maloney@mail.mcgill.ca
Fernandes
Bruno F
BF
Castiglione
Enzo
E
Antecka
Emilia
E
Martins
Claudia
C
Marshall
Jean-Claude
JC
Di Cesare
Sebastian
S
Logan
Patrick
P
Burnier
Miguel N
MN
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000201:enzymology*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D008566:Membranes / Q000201:enzymology; D008875:Middle Aged; D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium / Q000201:enzymology; D014746:Vimentin / Q000378:metabolism
D014746:Vimentin; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2