ALPHAB-CRYSTALLIN EXPRESSION IN EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE OF HUMAN PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Purpose: To examine the expression of alphaB-crystallin and its colocalization with vascular endothelial growth factor in the epiretinal membrane of human proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Ten epiretinal membranes of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and three normal retinas surgically excised were included in this study. Paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were processed for immunohistochemistry with alphaB-crystallin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and CD31 antibodies. Results: AlphaB-crystallin was expressed in all epiretinal membranes examined. The immunolocalization of alphaB-crystallin was detected in the cytoplasm of CD31-positive endothelial cells, but not in normal retinal blood vessels. Furthermore, alphaB-crystallin immunoreactivity was colocalized in vascular endothelial growth factor-positive endothelial cells in proliferative diabetic retinopathy membranes. Conclusion: AlphaB-crystallin was expressed in proliferative diabetic retinopathy membranes, and colocalized with vascular endothelial growth factor-positive neovessels. AlphaB-crystallin may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of epiretinal membranes in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, together with vascular endothelial growth factor. RETINA 32:1190-1196, 2012