Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine changes in the expression profile of RhoA and Rho kinase (ROCK-1 and ROCK-2) in the aqueous humor outflow pathway and optic nerve head (ONH) of human eyes with or without glaucoma to explore their potential involvement in glaucoma pathophysiology. METHODS: Age-matched paraffin-embedded postmortem eyes from patients with or without glaucoma were stained immunohistochemically using polyclonal antibodies raised against RhoA, ROCK-1, and ROCK-2. The intensity of the immunostaining in the aqueous humor outflow pathway and the ONH was graded by 4 individuals who were masked concerning whether the eyes were from normal individuals or those with glaucoma. RESULTS: Both normal eyes and those with glaucoma showed a positive staining for RhoA, ROCK-1, and ROCK-2 in the trabecular meshwork, ciliary muscle, and ONH. There was a significant increase in the RhoA protein levels in the glaucomatous ONH compared with the age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of RhoA in the ONH of glaucomatous eyes suggest possible involvement of RhoA in the pathophysiology of glaucoma.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 530-538 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of glaucoma |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Rho GTPase
- Rho kinase
- glaucoma
- optic nerve head
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ophthalmology