Alpha 2-macroglobulin levels in normal human and keratoconus corneas.

摘要: Purpose. To compare the levels of a2-macroglobulin, one major proteinase inhibitors,in corneas with keratoconu to thos iesn normal human cornea and s otherdiseases.Methods. An immunoperoxidase technique was used visualize presence a2-macroglob-ulin in corneas. Western blot analysis performed and, level this inhibito irnextracts keratoconus were subsequently analyze a dod bt y blo tassay.Results. a2-Macroglobulin wa demonstrates d immunohistochemicall th epitheliume y,stroma, endotheliu omf al corneal l sections. Compared controlspecimens, staining intensit thy epitheliue markedls yreduced. The majorit oy f scarred other diseased exhibited inten-sity for a2-macroglobulin Do. t assays showed thae a2-macroglobulit n thseepithelial stromal extract osf lower than those found normalhuman control counterparts.Conclusion. Keratoconus containe reduced leve olf a2-macroglobulin. This resultlends further support thoe hypothesis that degradation processes may be aberrant kerato-conus. Invest Ophthalmol Vis 1994 Sci. 35:4008-4014; .l\eratoconus is progressive disease characterize bdythinning scarrin ogf centrae portio ofn thecornea.