Biomedical subjects

T Oshika

Publications and source records attributed to T Oshika.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 in corneal lymphangiogenesis.

Lymphangiogenesis has been reported in vascularized corneas. However, the molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis in the cornea are still unclear. Since lymphatic vessels may contribute to a decreased success rate of keratoplasty in vascularized cornea by accelerating antigen recognition and graft rejection, elucidation of the mechanisms of corneal lymphangiogenesis will facilitate the inhibition of lymphatic vessels and may improve the outcome of keratoplasty. This study aimed to examine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), which is the only endogenous lymphangiogenic factor reported so far, and one of its receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), in corneal lymphangiogenesis. A rat model was used in which silver nitrate application resulted in corneal circumferential neovascularization. The presence of lymphatic vessels in the rat injured cornea was examined with electron microscope. Corneal VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 mRNA levels were quantified with competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 proteins were studied in situ using immunohistochemical analysis. Electron microscopy revealed lymphatic vessels in the vascularized rat corneas. Competitive RT-PCR demonstrated that the expression of VEGF-C mRNA in the rat cornea was normally absent, and was dramatically up-regulated 3 days after the injury, which gradually decreased. The VEGFR-3 expression in the rat cornea was minimally detected before the injury and was up-regulated 3 and 7 days after the injury. It was also minimally detected 2 and 4 weeks after the injury. In immunohistochemical analysis of the rat cornea 3 days after the injury, VEGF-C was mainly detected in inflammatory cells, and VEGFR-3 was demonstrated in several new vessels in the corneal stroma. These data suggest that VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 are pathophysiologically relevant endogenous factors in corneal lymphangiogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Glycemic control and lens transparency in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: To assess quantitatively the cumulative effect of hyperglycemia on lens transparency in patients with juvenile type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Subjects were 30 patients (30 eyes) with type 1 diabetes mellitus who had well-documented records on the duration of diabetes mellitus and condition of glycemic control from the onset. They were 35 years of age or younger (mean, 26.0 years), had a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus at least 5 years (mean, 8.4 years), had corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, and showed no clinically apparent cataract on slit-lamp examination. Twenty-one eyes of 21 subjects served as age-matched normal controls. They were 35 years of age or younger (mean, 25.7 years), had no diabetes mellitus, had corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, and showed no signs of cataract on slit-lamp examination. The degree of lens opacity was quantified using the anterior eye segment analysis system based on the Scheimpflug principle. An index was created to represent the cumulative effect of long-term glycemic control (hyperglycemic accumulation) by multiplying the average hemoglobin A(1c) value and the number of months from the onset. RESULTS: The patients with diabetes mellitus exhibited significantly greater degree of lens opacity than the normal controls (P =.017, Mann-Whitney U-test). Among the patients with diabetes mellitus, the lens opacity was greater in eyes with retinopathy than those without retinopathy (P =.011). Multiple regression analysis revealed that only the index of hyperglycemic accumulation significantly correlated with the degree of lens opacity (P =.042). CONCLUSION: Accumulated effect of hyperglycemia is related to the lens transparency in patients with diabetes.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Anterior capsular contraction after cataract surgery in vitrectomized eyes.

PURPOSE: To assess the contraction of continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis after cataract surgery in eyes with past pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: In a prospective study, 16 eyes of 16 patients underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable acrylic intraocular lens after pars plana vitrectomy. Eyes after intensive or repeated vitrectomy were not included. Twenty eyes of 19 patients served as age-matched controls. Aqueous flare intensity was measured using the laser flare-cell meter 1 year after surgery. The area of anterior capsular opening (ACO) was determined by diaphanoscopy using the anterior eye segment analysis system EAS-1000 at 1 day and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean ACO area between the vitrectomy and control groups both at 1 day and 1 year postoperatively. Aqueous flare intensity 1 year after surgery was slightly higher in the vitrectomy group, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Eyes after simple vitrectomy are not at a higher risk of ACO contraction following cataract surgery.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Factors affecting the forward shift of posterior corneal surface after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anteroposterior movement of the corneal back surface after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety-six eyes of 120 subjects with myopic refractive errors of -2.0 to -12.5 diopters. INTERVENTION: LASIK was performed. Corneal topography of the posterior corneal surface was obtained with the scanning slit topography system before and 1 month after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The amount of forward shift of the posterior corneal surface was determined. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the factors that affect the forward shift of the posterior corneal surface. RESULTS: After surgery, the posterior corneal surface displayed mean forward shift of 40.9 +/- 24.8 micrometer. Explanatory variables relevant to the forward shift of corneal posterior surface were, in the order of magnitude of influence, the amount of laser ablation (partial regression coefficient B = 0.561, P < 0.0001), preoperative corneal thickness (B = -0.176, P = 0.00096), and preoperative intraocular pressure (B = 1.676, P = 0.0053). Preoperative refraction and achieved myopic correction showed collinearity with the amount of laser ablation. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK induces a forward shift of the cornea. Eyes with thinner corneas, higher intraocular pressure, and higher myopia requiring greater laser ablation are more predisposed to the anterior shift of the cornea.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Mechanical detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane from the posterior lens capsule.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of spontaneous detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane from the posterior lens capsule and to explore the possibility of surgical separation of the anterior hyaloid membrane. DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized interventional comparative trial and comparative human tissue study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight eyes of 32 patients undergoing primary pars plana vitrectomy combined with cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation and 3 eye bank eyes for histopathologic examination. METHODS: The anterior hyaloid membrane and posterior lens capsule were observed with a fiberoptic endoscope. Surgical separation of the anterior hyaloid membrane was attempted by either the hydrodissection method before cataract extraction (18 eyes) or the direct suction method after cataract extraction (20 eyes). In eye bank eyes, histopathologic examination was performed with (one eye) and without (two eyes) surgical separation of the anterior hyaloid membrane. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of spontaneous detachment and success rate of surgical detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane. RESULTS: No eye displayed spontaneous detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane. Using the hydrodissection method, complete detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane was achieved in 10 eyes (55.6%), partial detachment was attained in 2 eyes (11.1%), and detachment was not induced at all in 6 eyes (33.3%). With the direct suction method, the anterior hyaloid membrane was completely separated from the posterior lens capsule in 10 eyes (50%), partially detached in 10 eyes (50%), and not detached at all in any eye. The direct suction method had a significantly higher success rate than the hydrodissection method (P < 0.001, chi-square test). In eye bank eyes, the surgical manipulation induced complete separation of the anterior hyaloid membrane from the lens capsule. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane from the posterior lens capsule is very rare. Under endoscopic observation, surgical detachment of the anterior hyaloid membrane was possible in half of the patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Corneal irregular astigmatism and contrast sensitivity after photorefractive keratectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between contrast sensitivity and corneal irregular astigmatism in eyes after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: Seventy-nine eyes without corneal haze 6 months or more after PRK and 30 normal control eyes. METHODS: Videokeratography was taken with TMS-1 (Computed Anatomy Inc. New York, NY), and contrast sensitivity for day and night vision was measured using a Multivision Contrast Tester 8000 (Vistech Consultants, Inc., Dayton, OH). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Regular and irregular astigmatism (asymmetry and higher order irregularity components) were computed using Fourier series harmonic analysis of the videokeratography data. Area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was calculated from the contrast sensitivity data taken at five spatial frequencies. RESULTS: After PRK, AULCSFs were significantly smaller for day vision (P = 0.007, unpaired t test) and night vision (P = 0.020) compared with normal controls. AULCSFs for day vision were significantly negatively correlated with asymmetry (Pearson's correlation coefficient, R = -0.23, P = 0.049) and higher order irregularity (R = -0.33, P = 0.004) components but not with the regular astigmatism component (P > 0.3). AULCSF for night vision correlated significantly with asymmetry (R = -0.31, P = 0.013) and higher order irregularity (R = -0.30, P = 0.016) components but not with the regular astigmatism component (P > 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal irregular astigmatism after PRK significantly influences contrast sensitivity.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Piggyback foldable intraocular lens implantation in patients with microphthalmos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of phacoemulsification and implantation of 2 foldable acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) in microphthalmic eyes. SETTING: University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Eguchi Eye Hospital, Hakodate, and Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan. METHODS: This study comprised 5 eyes of 3 patients whose manifest spherical equivalent was +10.5 to +18.0 diopters (D) and axial length was 15.79 to 16.82 mm. After phacoemulsification, 2 foldable acrylic IOLs with a mean power of +43.0 D +/- 9.5 (SD) (range +32.0 to +55.0 D) were implanted in the capsular bag. RESULTS: There were no significant intraoperative complications, and there was significant improvement in uncorrected and best corrected visual acuities after surgery. The spherical equivalent decreased significantly; however, the postoperative refraction was considerably more hyperopic than predicted in all eyes. Except for posterior synechias in 2 eyes and slight interlenticular opacification in 2 eyes, no major postoperative complications occurred during the mean follow-up of 14.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Implanting 2 piggyback IOLs was beneficial in eyes with an extremely short axial length. However, the current system of lens power calculation markedly underestimates the required lens power, resulting in a hyperopic refractive error after surgery. The benefits of in-the-bag placement of 2 foldable lenses are questionable.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2001

Secondary closure of neodymium:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

A 67-year-old man reported reduced vision after cataract surgery and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy. The diagnosis was complicated due to severe glistenings within the optic of an acrylic foldable intraocular lens (IOL), proliferation of lens epithelial remnants over the capsulotomy opening, and presumed vitreous opacity. Although IOL exchange surgery was considered, a second Nd:YAG laser intervention successfully removed the proliferated lens materials and restored the visual acuity. The glistenings were not the cause of the reduced vision.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Effect of subconjunctival steroid injection on intraocular inflammation and blood glucose level after cataract surgery in diabetic patients.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the usefulness of a subconjunctival steroid injection given at the completion of cataract surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus. SETTING: University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Kaiya Eye Clinic, Hamamatsu, and Jyosai Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: One hundred four eyes of 104 diabetic patients having routine small incision cataract surgery were randomized into 2 groups. One group received a subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone and the other group did not. Aqueous flare intensity was measured with the laser flare meter preoperatively and 1, 2, 5, 7, and 14 days postoperatively. Another 19 diabetic patients having routine cataract surgery were randomized to receive a subconjunctival steroid injection or not; blood glucose concentration was measured 4 times a day for 3 days postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in aqueous flare values at any postoperative time. The subconjunctival steroid injection induced a transient but significant increase in blood glucose on the day of surgery. CONCLUSION: A subconjunctival steroid injection given at the completion of cataract surgery in diabetic patients had no beneficial effects.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Relation between corneal haze and transforming growth factor-beta1 after photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relation between corneal haze formation and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: White rabbits were divided into 4 groups, with each group receiving 1 of the following surgeries: manual epithelial abrasion, PRK, lamellar keratotomy, or LASIK. The degree of corneal haze was quantitatively analyzed by measuring the light scattering intensity of corneas before and 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. The expression of type IV collagen and TGF-beta1 in the corneas at baseline and at 4 weeks was examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The light scattering intensity was significantly greater 4 and 10 weeks after PRK. In contrast, epithelial abrasion, lamellar keratotomy, and LASIK did not influence the light scattering intensity of the corneas. Type IV collagen was detected in the basal lamina of the corneal epithelium and in Descement's membrane in the normal cornea. After epithelial abrasion, there was no change in the distribution of type IV collagen. Four weeks after PRK, the expression of type IV collagen was detected in the subepithelial layer of the laser-ablated area. Four weeks after lamellar keratotomy, type IV collagen was linearly and fragmentarily detected in the corneal stroma. Four weeks after LASIK, type IV collagen was linearly and continuously detected in the corneal stroma and was detected slightly in the subepithelial region of the laser-ablated area. In the normal corneas, the expression of TGF-beta1 was not detected in the keratocytes. Four weeks after PRK, the expression of TGF-beta1 increased in the keratocytes that proliferated in the subepithelial fibrous layer. In contrast, epithelial abrasion, lamellar keratotomy, and LASIK did not change the expression pattern of TGF-beta1 in the keratocytes. CONCLUSION: The multiplier effect of epithelial abrasion and excimer laser ablation in PRK may increase the expression of TGF-beta1 in keratocytes and induce corneal haze.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Risk factors for corneal graft failure and rejection in penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate risk factors for graft failure and allograft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: We retrospectively studied clinical results of PKs in terms of graft survival and rejection-free graft survival rates. PKs were done on 271 eyes between 1987 and 1997. Clinical results were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier's life table method and the log-rank test. Relative risks and adjusted survival probabilities for each value of the factor were compared with the risk for a specified reference value. RESULTS: The overall rates of graft survival and rejection-free graft survival in 10 years after PK were 79.3% and 77.9%, respectively. Higher relative risk of graft failure was associated with corneal vascularization (relative risk for within one quadrant = 1.67, two quadrants = 2.37, three or more quadrants = 3.39), regraft (relative risk for one failed previously graft = 2.08, two or more failed previously graft = 2.65), aphakia (relative risk = 2.17) or pseudophakia (relative risk = 3.02), presence of anterior synechia (relative risk = 2.91), presence of posterior synechia (relative risk = 2.56), long (more than 85 minutes) operation time (relative risk = 2.20), and older (more than 50 years) recipient age (relative risk = 2.38). Higher relative risk of rejection was associated with corneal vascularization (relative risk for within one quadrant = 2.35, two quadrants = 2.03, three or more quadrants = 2.63), long (more than 85 minutes) operation time (relative risk = 1.47), and younger (less than 60 years) donor age (relative risk = 2.10). There was no association between graft failure or allograft rejection and graft size or suture technique, respectively. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for graft failure after PK were corneal vascularization, regraft, aphakia or pseudophakia, presence of anterior synechia, presence of posterior synechia, long operation time, and older recipient age. The risk factors after PK for allograft rejection were corneal vascularization, long operation time, and younger donor age.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Influence of subconjunctival steroid injection on blood glucose profile in diabetic rats.

PURPOSE: The influence of subconjunctival steroid injection on blood glucose concentration was investigated in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats with STZ-induced diabetes (n = 10) and normal controls (n = 10) received subconjunctival injections of 0.1 ml of 0.4% dexamethasone or saline. Blood glucose concentrations were measured before and 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h after treatment. RESULTS: In the STZ group, subconjunctival injection of steroids (p = 0.0013) or saline (p = 0.0037) significantly increased the blood glucose level 3 h after treatment. In the control group, the blood glucose concentration was not elevated by subconjunctival injection. In both STZ and control groups, the blood glucose concentration was significantly higher after steroid injection than after saline injection throughout the 24 h study period. CONCLUSIONS: Subconjunctival steroid injection induced a significant blood glucose increase in both diabetic and control rats. For diabetic rats, the subconjunctival injection itself constituted stress that resulted in glucose elevation.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2001

Presumed interference colours at the level of the human anterior lens capsule.

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence and related factors of the presumed interference colour phenomenon at the anterior lens capsule. METHODS: In 274 eyes of 137 normal subjects, ranging in age from 4 to 83 years old (50.1 +/- 24.9 years, mean +/- standard deviation), the anterior lens capsule was observed with slit-lamp microscopy under specular conditions to assess the presence and degree of presumed interference colours. RESULTS: The colouring phenomenon, which was thought to be relevant to the interference phenomenon induced at the level of the anterior lens capsule, was found in 67.5% of eyes. Typically, there was a colour spectrum with a greenish tint in the central area and a reddish tint at the periphery, which coincided with the area of capsular shagreen. Multiple regression analysis revealed a signigificant positive correlation between the degree of the interference colour phenomenon and the age of the subjects (r = 0.45, p < 0.0001, R2 = 0.713). CONCLUSION: Presumed interference colours are frequently seen at the human anterior lens capsule. Interference colours and capsular shagreen seem to reflect age-related changes in the lens.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Advanced glycation end products in Descemet's membrane and their effect on corneal endothelial cell.

PURPOSE: [corrected] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in Descemet's membrane on the attachment and spreading of the corneal endothelial cells. METHODS: An anti-AGEs monoclonal antibody (6D12), which recognizes a N(epsilon)-carboxymethyl lysine (CML)-protein adduct as an epitope, was used for immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fresh bovine Descemet's membrane was incubated for 4 weeks in the buffered solution with 500 mM of glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P). In the incubated Descemet's membrane, the immunohistochemical localization of CML was examined. Type I collagen-, type IV collagen-, fibronectin-, or laminin-coated 96-well plates were glycated by G-6-P. The amount of CML was determined by ELISA using 6D12. Cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells were seeded onto glycated or non-glycated extracellular matrix (ECM) in 96-well plates and allowed to attach for 3 hours. The number and the surface area of the attached cells were examined. RESULTS: Immunoreactivity to CML was detected in Descemet's membrane incubated in the buffered solution containing G-6-P. Glycation of fibronectin and laminin decreased the number and the surface area of the attached corneal endothelial cells. Aminoguanidine in the incubation mixture inhibited CML formation of ECM components and increased the number and the surface area of the attached corneal endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: AGE formation on fibronectin and laminin attenuated the attachment and spreading of the corneal endothelial cells. AGEs' formation in Descemet's membrane may be responsible for the corneal endothelial cell loss with aging and corneal endothelial abnormalities in diabetic patients

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Effect of donor age on morphologic variation of cultured human corneal endothelial cells.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of donor age on the morphologic variation of cultured human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC). METHODS: HCEC were obtained from the remaining corneoscleral rims of seven human corneas used for penetrating keratoplasty. The donor age ranged from 2 to 75 years. Primary cultures were established from explants of the endothelial cell layer, including the Descemet's membrane, and were propagated on culture dishes coated with bovine corneal endothelial extracellular matrix. At the fourth passage, frequency distribution of cell area in the confluent monolayer was calculated and the effect of donor age on cell area was analyzed. RESULTS: The percentage of HCEC with cell area over 2000 microm2 significantly increased with donor age (r = 0.935, p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: Cultured HCEC established from older donor tissue display greater heterogeneity. The use of HCEC from younger donors may be preferable to maximize the benefits of HCEC transplantation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Ocular and systemic factors relevant to diabetic keratoepitheliopathy.

PURPOSE: This study examines the contribution of ocular and systemic factors to diabetic keratoepitheliopathy. METHODS: The presence and severity of keratoepitheliopathy was investigated in 114 eyes of patients with diabetes and 59 eyes of patients without diabetes. The ocular factors examined were the status of the lipid layer of the tear fluid assessed with the specular reflection video-recording system, corneal sensitivity using the Cochet-Bonnet method, tear volume by the cotton thread test, tear film stability by tear breakup time, and grade of diabetic retinopathy. The systemic factors examined included patient age, hemoglobin A1c value, and duration of diabetes mellitus. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the factors related to keratoepitheliopathy. RESULTS: The incidence of keratoepitheliopathy was 22.8% and 8.5% in patients with and without diabetes, respectively. Ocular measures, such as nonuniformity of tear lipid layer, corneal sensitivity, and tear breakup time, were significantly worse in patients with diabetes than in patients without diabetes ( p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the status of the tear lipid layer was significantly relevant to diabetic keratoepitheliopathy ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Qualitative abnormalities in tear secretion seem relevant to the development of diabetic keratoepitheliopathy. The tear lipid layer interference pattern may yield useful information for the elucidation of the mechanism and treatment of diabetic keratoepitheliopathy.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Anterior capsular contraction after cataract surgery in eyes of diabetic patients.

AIM: To investigate change in the area of anterior capsular opening (ACO) after cataract surgery and its relation to the degree of postoperative anterior inflammation in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: 31 eyes of 31 patients with DM and 30 eyes of 30 normal controls scheduled to undergo cataract surgery were examined prospectively. The area of ACO was measured with an anterior eye segment analysis system (EAS-1000) on the day following surgery and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Comparative analyses were made on the area of ACO relative to the presence of DM and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The percentage reduction of area of ACO was calculated from values 1 day and 12 months after surgery, and multiple regression analysis was performed on the presence of DM, patient age, ACO area on the first postoperative day, and aqueous flare intensity 1 day and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The area was significantly smaller in the DM group at 3 (p=0.015, Student's t test), 6 (p=0.011), and 12 (p=0.010) months postoperatively. Patients having DR showed significantly smaller ACO area than the non-DR group 3 (p=0.039), 6 (p=0.033), and 12 (p=0.028) months after surgery. Multiple regression analysis revealed that presence of DM (p=0.003) and aqueous flare intensity 12 months after surgery (p=0.039) significantly correlated with the percentage reduction of area of ACO. Age, ACO area at 1 day postoperatively, and aqueous flare intensity immediately after surgery were not relevant to ACO contraction. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior capsular contraction after cataract surgery was greater in eyes of DM patients, especially in those with DR and increased permeability of the blood-aqueous barrier.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Advanced glycation end products in human optic nerve head.

AIMS: To localise advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in human optic nerve head. METHODS: Optic nerve samples from 13 elderly individuals (seven diabetics and six non-diabetics) were obtained at necropsy. Pyrraline, an advanced glycation end product, was immunohistochemically localised in the optic nerve heads. RESULTS: In the diabetic subjects, moderate to intense immunoreactivity for pyrraline was detected in sclera, pia mater, cribriform plates, connective tissues in the optic nerve, and around vessels in the optic nerve and pia mater. Immunoreactivity for pyrraline was also detected around retinal vessels. In the non-diabetic subjects, slight or no immunoreactivity for pyrraline was found in cribriform plates and around the optic nerve vessels. CONCLUSION: Accumulation of AGEs in cribriform plates and around vessels in the optic nerve may contribute to the development of optic neuropathy in diabetic patients.

Aged↗