1: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):403. 

Erratum.

[No authors listed]

PMID: 18398715 [PubMed - in process]

2: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):395-401. 

Increased Plasma and Optic Nerve Levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and MIP-2 Following
Induction of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Mice.

Avraham BC, Dotan G, Hasanreisoglu M, Kramer M, Monselise Y, Cohen Y, Weinberger
D, Goldenberg-Cohen N.

The Krieger Eye Research Laboratory, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach
Tikva, Israel.

Purpose: To investigate levels of proinflammatory cytokines in a mouse model of
anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rAION). Methods: AION was induced in C57/BL6
mice and levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and MIP-2 were measured in plasma by ELISA
and in the optic nerves by RT-PCR at predetermined intervals. Results: Plasma:
IL-6 levels were elevated immediately after rAION induction and decreased
gradually thereafter. TNF-alpha showed an early peak on day 1 and again from day
21. MIP-2 levels were increased until day 7. Optic nerve: IL-6, TNF-alpha, and
MIP-2 levels increased within a few hours and then decreased gradually. IL-6 had
a second peak on day 3. Conclusions: Proinflammatory cytokines may play a role
in the pathogenesis of rAION.

PMID: 18398714 [PubMed - in process]

3: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):385-93. 

The role of alkylphosphocholines in retinal muller glial cell proliferation.

Eibl KH, Schwabe K, Welge-Luessen U, Kampik A, Eichler W.

University Eye Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.

Purpose: Alkylphosphocholines (APCs) are investigated for their effect on Muller
glial cell proliferation and F-actin stress fiber distribution in vitro.
Materials and Methods: Muller cells were incubated with APCs (C18:1-PC and
C22:1-PC) +/- fetal calf serum. Proliferation was assessed by BrdU labeling and
with the tetrazolium dye-reduction assay. Toxicity was measured using the trypan
blue exclusion assay. The distribution of F-actin stress fibers was determined
using FITC-phalloidin staining. Results: APCs are effective inhibitors of human
and rat Muller glial cell proliferation and hypoxia-induced up-regulation of
F-actin stress fibers in vitro in non-toxic concentrations. Conclusions: APCs
might prevent intraretinal changes as a result of serum stimulation and hypoxia
following retinal detachment.

PMID: 18398713 [PubMed - in process]

4: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):377-83. 

No Association Found Between the Promoter Variants of TNF-alpha and Diabetic
Retinopathy in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Wang N, Huang K, Zou H, Shi Y, Zhu J, Tang W, Xu X.

Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Affiliated First
People\'s Hospital, Shanghai, P. R. China.

Purpose: Necrosis tumor factor (TNF) is known to be associated with diabetic
retinopathy (DR). The objective of this study was to examine the genetic
variations of TNF-alpha and assess their possible relationship to DR in type 2
diabetic patients in the Chinese population. Materials and Methods: We conducted
a case-control association study between the promoter variants of TNF-alpha and
diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. We selected three
variants in the promoter region of TNF-alpha, namely rs1800629, rs1041981, and
rs2857713. Results: No individual SNP nor any haplotype was found to be
associated with DR in our study. Conclusion: This is the first study to report
TNF-alpha polymorphisms in patients with DR in the Chinese population. The
results suggest that the variants among the promoter of TNF-alpha are unlikely
to play a major role in the susceptibility to DR in Chinese patients with type 2
diabetes.

PMID: 18398712 [PubMed - in process]

5: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):365-76. 

Natural history and histology in a rat model of laser-induced photothrombotic
retinal vein occlusion.

Zhang Y, Fortune B, Atchaneeyasakul LO, McFarland T, Mose K, Wallace P, Main J,
Wilson D, Appukuttan B, Stout JT.

Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon,
USA.

Purpose: To observe temporal changes in retinal physiology and histology in a
rat model of laser-induced retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods:
Ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography (FA) were
performed following laser-induced central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and
branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) immediately after laser treatment and at 3
and 6 hr and 2, 4, 7, 14, and 21 days. Retinal histology was examined at 4, 7,
14, and 21 days. Full-field electroretinogram was recorded from both eyes
simultaneously at day 4. Results: For CRVO and BRVO, reperfusion of occluded
branch veins was observed 1 to 2 days after treatment. Despite complete
reperfusion of branch veins, retinal edema and hemorrhages peaked on day 4, and
by day 14, treated retinas appeared pale and edematous upon ophthalmoscopy. In
BRVO animals, retinal hemorrhages were limited to the vein-occluded region,
although edema was more widespread and, to a limited extent, involved the
untreated hemi-retina. Significant GCL cell loss was observed in both CRVO and
BRVO groups after day 14. Regional analysis showed that relative GCL loss was
greatest in the peripheral retina in BRVO group. Electroretinography disclosed
moderate to severe functional deficits in photoreceptors, bipolar, and amacrine
and ganglion cells. Conclusion: Laser-induced RVO in rats results in targeted
vascular occlusion that persisted for 1 to 2 days. Functional deficits were
evident and significant GCL cell loss was seen, notably within peripheral retina
of the BRVO model. This reproducible model provides a valuable tool for the
study of the molecular events associated with retinal ischemia and cell death.

PMID: 18398711 [PubMed - in process]

6: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):351-63. 

Femtosecond laser-assisted retinal imaging and ablation: experimental pilot
study.

Hild M, Krause M, Riemann I, Mestres P, Toropygin S, Low U, Bruckner K, Seitz B,
Jonescu-Cuypers C, Konig K.

Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany.

Purpose: To investigate retinal imaging and ablation using femtosecond laser
pulses. Materials and Methods: Two non-amplified near-infrared femtosecond
lasers were used to irradiate porcine retinal specimens in vitro. The lasers
were used for tissue removal as well as multiphoton laser scanning microscopy.
Results: Ablation of the nerve fiber layer was performed at pulse energies of
1.0 nJ to 3.9 nJ. Control laser scanning images were acquired within seconds
after irradiation. Specimens were additionally investigated with electron
microscopy. Conclusions: Non-amplified femtosecond lasers may allow precise
surgery controlled by fast high-resolution imaging of the target.

PMID: 18398710 [PubMed - in process]

7: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):345-9. 

An assessment of intraocular pressure change in healthy subjects during air
flight.

Bayer A, Mutlu FM, Akay F, Bayraktar MZ.

GATA School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of air flight on intraocular pressure (IOP).
Methods: Baseline IOP of 25 healthy volunteers was measured at a ground level of
1760 feet above sea level (ASL) using Tono-Pen XLtrade mark. Measurements were
repeated after reaching an altitude of 19,000 feet and then on the second hour
during a routine flight. Cabin pressure was kept around 8000 feet. IOP
measurement was repeated after landing (3.5 hr after taking off). Change in the
IOP was evaluated. Results: Mean +/- SD IOP was 14.2 +/- 2.7 mmHg at ground
level and was 14.0 +/- 2.2 mmHg after gaining maximum altitude (p = 0.78). Mean
IOP dropped to 12.3 +/- 2.5 mmHg on the second hour of flight and 12.0 +/- 1.7
mmHg after landing. Decrease in IOP on the second hour (13.4%, p = 0.005) and
after landing (15.7%, p = 0.001) were significant. Conclusion: IOP significantly
decreased on the second hour measurements during a routine flight, and this
change was sustained after landing.

PMID: 18398709 [PubMed - in process]

8: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):333-43. 

Evaluation of the Modulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on the Intraocular
Disposition of its Substrate in Rabbits.

Senthilkumari S, Velpandian T, Biswas NR, Saxena R, Ghose S.

Department of Ocular Pharmacology and Pharmacy, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Purpose: To evaluate the functional role of P-gp and ocular tissue distribution
of intravitreally injected Rhodamine-123 (Rho-123) in the presence of P-gp
specific blocker (GF 120918) in normal as well as rifampicin-fed rabbits using
microdialysis and direct sampling technique. Methods: Intravitreal
pharmacokinetics of Rho-123 were conducted in male New Zealand albino rabbits.
Direct sampling and microdialysis were employed to study the disposition of
Rho-123 in normal as well as rifampicin-fed conditions. Control animals received
Rho-123 at the concentration of 350 ng in PBS (0.05 ml) intravitreally, and the
blocker-treated group received GF 120918 intravenously at the dose of 3.5 mg/kg
30 min prior to intravitreal injection of Rho-123. In case of direct sampling,
four eyes were enucleated at different time points, and ocular tissues and
humors were stored at -86 degrees C until analysis by HPLC with fluorescence
detection. Results: In direct sampling, the blocker group showed significant
increase (2.6 fold) in the mean vitreous concentration of Rho-123. Other tissues
like ret-choroid, iris, and cornea also showed significant increase in their
mean concentration. Microdialysis did not significantly predict the changes
observed with direct sampling. Rifampicin-fed rabbits showed a vitreous
pharmacokinetic profile comparable with non-fed (control) animals, and the
pharmacokinetic parameters were unaffected by the blocker pretreatment.
Conclusion: Intravenously injected blocker significantly altered the ocular
disposition of intravitreally injected P-gp substrate. Rifampicin pretreatment
did not upregulate P-gp transporters of the retina to the extent to affect the
intravitreal kinetics of Rho-123 significantly.

PMID: 18398708 [PubMed - in process]

9: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):325-32. 

Is there a relationship between blood pressure and intraocular pressure? An
experimental study in hypertensive rats.

Vaajanen A, Mervaala E, Oksala O, Vapaatalo H.

Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Purpose: Evaluation of relation between blood pressure (BP) and intraocular
pressure (IOP) in two hypertensive rat strains: spontaneously hypertensive rats
(SHR) and double transgenic (dTGR) (harboring human renin and angiotensinogen
genes) rats, and in their normotensive control Wistar Kyoto and Sprague Dawley
rats, respectively. Methods: Each rat strain was divided into medicated and
non-medicated groups. Medicated rats were treated orally with an angiotensin II
receptor type 1 blocker. IOP was measured using a specific rebound tonometer and
BP by a tail-cuff method. Both parameters were determined in conscious animals
every second week. For comparison, at the end of the study, IOP was measured in
conscious and anesthetized rats. Results: The baseline IOP was higher in
hypertensive rats vs their normotensive controls. Eight weeks of treatment with
an angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker did not prevent a slight increase in IOP,
although it abolished the development of hypertension in SHR. The markedly
elevated IOP was reduced in medicated and non-medicated dTGR animals during the
short follow-up period. General anesthesia reduced IOP significantly.
Conclusion: The results suggest a positive relation between BP and IOP in
hypertensive rats.

PMID: 18398707 [PubMed - in process]

10: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):319-24. 

Expression of Toll-Like Receptors in the Fusarium solani Infected Cornea.

Jin X, Qin Q, Lin Z, Chen W, Qu J.

Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University,
Hangzhou, P. R. China.

Purpose: To investigate the expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the
human cornea with Fusarium solani (F. solani) keratitis. Methods: Five human
corneas with F. solani keratitis and 5 healthy human corneas were evaluated for
TLR1-10 mRNA by reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and
relative real-time PCR. The proteins of TLR2, 4, and 9 were also compared by
Western blot. The mean times between these corneas were collected, and the onset
of treatment to surgery was 34.4 +/- 12.4 days, ranging from 15 to 47 days. The
data were analyzed with SPSS15.0. Results: TLR1-10 mRNA was expressed in both
healthy and F. solani infected human corneas. The expression of TLR2, 4, 6, and
9 mRNA in the F. solani infected human corneas were upregulated. The Western
blot showed the protein expression of TLR2, 4, and 9 was also upregulated in the
corneas with F. solani keratitis than that of the healthy corneas. Conclusions:
TLRs are expressed diversely in the F. solani infected human cornea, and TLR2,
4, and 9 may be implicated in the pathogenesis of F. solani infection in the
cornea.

PMID: 18398706 [PubMed - in process]

11: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):313-8. 

Novel CYP4V2 Gene Mutation in a Mexican Patient with Bietti\'s Crystalline
Corneoretinal Dystrophy.

Zenteno JC, Ayala-Ramirez R, Graue-Wiechers F.

Department of Genetics and Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Mexico
City, Mexico.

Purpose: To report the clinical and genetic analysis of a Mexican female patient
with a sporadic Bietti\'s crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy. Methods:
Ophthalmological examination included best-corrected visual acuity, slit lamp
examination, applanation tonometry, fundus photography, fluorescein retinal
angiography, Goldmann kinetic perimetry, corneal rotating Scheimpflug imaging,
and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (Visante OCT). Genetic
analysis included PCR amplification and direct nucleotide sequencing of the
entire CYP4V2 gene in DNA from the propositus and her relatives. Results: A
late-stage retinal dystrophy was established in the patient. No retinal or
corneal crystalline deposits were evident during clinical evaluation.
Retrospective analysis of fundus imaging disclosed the presence of retinal
crystalline deposits, suggesting the diagnosis of Bietti\'s crystalline
corneoretinal dystrophy. Molecular analysis of the CYP4V2 gene revealed the
presence of a novel C to T mutation at nucleotide position 974 (exon 7),
predicting a threonine to isoleucine replacement at amino acid position 325.
Corneal deposits were not seen by biomicroscopy, corneal OCT, or specular
microscopy but were evidenced by means of the corneal rotating Scheimpflug
imaging. Conclusion: Our results expand the allelic heterogeneity of Bietti\'s
crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy. This is the first patient of Latin-American
origin in which a molecular analysis of the disease has been performed. Our
results suggest that the use of corneal rotating Scheimpflug imaging can
evidence corneal deposits that are not apparent by other methods.

PMID: 18398705 [PubMed - in process]

12: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Apr;33(4):303-12. 

In vitro effects of preservative-free tafluprost and preserved latanoprost,
travoprost, and bimatoprost in a conjunctival epithelial cell line.

Brasnu E, Brignole-Baudouin F, Riancho L, Guenoun JM, Warnet JM, Baudouin C.

Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital,
Paris, France.

Purpose: This study compared the toxicity profiles of three antiglaucoma
prostaglandin F2alpha analogs, latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost which
contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK), with tafluprost, a new preservative-free
prostaglandin analog. Methods: IOBA-NHC cells were exposed to BAK-containing
prostanoid solutions, their respective BAK concentrations, and preservative-free
tafluprost solution for 30 min. Membrane integrity, apoptosis, oxidative stress,
and cells morphology were evaluated. Results: Preservative-free tafluprost
resulted in significantly higher membrane integrity and lower pro-apoptotic and
pro-oxidative effects than preservative-containing prostaglandin analog
preparations. Conclusions: These results suggest that tafluprost, a new
preservative-free prostaglandin analog, has very low or no pro-apoptotic,
pro-necrotic, or pro-oxidative effects in vitro compared to
preservative-containing formulations.

PMID: 18398704 [PubMed - in process]

13: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):293-301. 

BMP implant associated with platelet-rich plasma in orbit fracture repair.

Ferraz FH, Schellini SA, Schellini RC, Pellizon CH, Hirai FE, Padovani CR.

Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Oftalmologia, Campus Universitario, Botucatu,
Brazil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) implant with and without
platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is supposed to accelerate fracture
consolidation in the orbit fracture treatment. METHODS: Thirty-six white rabbits
were subjected to orbital fracture and treated in three groups: BMP implant
fracture repair (G1), BMP plus PRP implant fracture repair (G2), and fracture
and spontaneous repair (G3). The animals were sacrificed at 7, 30, 90, and 180
days after surgery. A radiology evaluation was carried out on the 7th day after
the fracture and at the sacrifice moments. After the animals\' death, the orbital
content material was removed and prepared for morphological and morphometric
analysis. RESULTS: Radiology suggested intramembranous and progressive
cavitation and ossification without a reduction in implant size and with signs
of calcium deposition; these events were confirmed by histological analysis,
which showed a lymphomononuclear inflammatory reaction in G1 and G2, more
intense 7 days after surgery and reducing after 30 days. Associating PRP with
BMP did not accelerate bone induction. CONCLUSION: BMP implant promotes bone
induction, integration at fracture site, scarce inflammatory reaction, and may
be a good alternative in orbit fracture reconstruction. The addition of PRP to
the BMP plate did not accelerate the resolution, and its use is not necessary.

PMID: 18350441 [PubMed - in process]

14: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):285-91. 

Involvement of purinergic P2 receptors in experimental retinal
neovascularization.

Sarman S, Mancini J, van der Ploeg I, Croxatto JO, Kvanta A, Gallo JE.

Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik\'s Eye Hospital, Karolinska
Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. sylvia.sarman@sankterik.se

PURPOSE: The present study was aimed to investigate the expression of purinergic
P2 receptors in oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization. METHODS:
Immunohistochemistry was used to study the expression of purinergic P2Y2 and
P2X2 receptors in the neonatal mouse retina during normal vascular development
and after oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). The effect of the P2 antagonists,
suramin and PPADS, on the extent of oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization
was analyzed. RESULTS: In normal mice, the expression of P2Y2 receptors was weak
throughout the retina, whereas P2X2 receptor expression was detected in the
outer plexiform layer. In mice treated with oxygen, P2Y2 expression was detected
in the ganglion and in the nerve fiber layers, whereas P2X2 expression was found
in the inner and outer plexiform layers. Oxygen-induced preretinal
neovascularization was strongly inhibited by the P2 antagonists, suramin
(p<0.05) and PPADS (p<0.05), and this was accompanied by a down-regulation of
P2X2 receptor expression in the inner plexiform layer in suramin-treated mice.
CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that purinergic P2 receptors are involved in
neovascularization associated with OIR.

Publication Types:
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov\'t

PMID: 18350440 [PubMed - in process]

15: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):277-83. 

In vitro noncontact intravascular femtosecond laser surgery in models of branch
retinal vein occlusion.

Toropygin S, Krause M, Riemann I, Hild M, Mestres P, Seitz B, Khurieva E,
Ruprecht KW, Low U, Gatzioufas Z, Konig K.

Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, University of Saarland, Homburg,
Germany. doctorop@mail.ru

PURPOSE: To investigate intravenous femtosecond laser surgery in models of
branch retinal vein occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Non-amplified near
infrared femtosecond laser was used to ablate polyamide sutures and human hairs
inserted into the vascular lumina of porcine retinal veins in vitro. Specimens
were subjected to multiphoton laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy.
RESULTS: Regular laser cuts within sutures and hairs were detected with laser
microscopy and electron microscopy. Neither laser microscopy nor histology
revealed collateral damage of the vascular wall. CONCLUSIONS: Non-amplified
femtosecond lasers may allow precise atraumatic non-contact intravenous retinal
surgery controlled by high-resolution imaging of the target.

Publication Types:
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov\'t

PMID: 18350439 [PubMed - in process]

16: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):269-75. 

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of carboplatin delivery to the eye using
hydrogel-iontophoresis.

Eljarrat-Binstock E, Domb AJ, Orucov F, Dagan A, Frucht-Pery J, Pe\'er J.

Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, School of Pharmacy,
Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.

PURPOSE: To investigate in vitro and in vivo hydrogel-iontophoresis delivery of
carboplatin to the eye. METHODS: Iontophoresis was applied on agar gels
resembling the eye using different current intensities and durations.
Transscleral iontophoresis was performed on healthy rabbits, applying 0, 1, and
3 mA current for 10 min. RESULTS: Similar drug concentrations were obtained in
all experimental groups, in in vitro and in vivo studies, regardless of the
iontophoretic current applied. A 20-mm penetration depth was found for
carboplatin at the agar model. High drug levels were found at the sclera and
retina, while lower levels were found at ocular fluids. CONCLUSION:
Carboplatin-iontophoretic application at the above conditions does not have an
obvious advantage over passive penetration due to high diffusion properties and
insufficient molecular charge. Passive carboplatin diffusion from loaded
hydrogels inserted in the lower cul-de-sac should be further investigated as a
potential clinical treatment for intraocular retinoblastoma.

PMID: 18350438 [PubMed - in process]

17: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):263-7. 

Comparison of the pupillometry during videonystagmography in asymmetric
pseudoexfoliation patients.

Yulek F, Konukseven OO, Cakmak HB, Orhan N, Simsek S, Kutluhan A.

First Ophthalmology Department, SB Ankara Ataturk Education and Research
Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. fatmayulekt@yahoo.com

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the dynamic function of iris muscle in asymmetric
pseudoexfoliation patients by videonystagmography. METHODS: 15 patients with
asymmetric pseudoexfoliation and 15 control subjects were included. The function
of iris muscle was assessed by the pupillometry test of the videonystagmography
by calculating the percent of change in pupillary diameter in unit time during
fixation to an accommodative target, light reaction, convergence, and
divergence. RESULTS: There were significant differences between groups in the
reaction during fixation (p: 0.01), in light reaction (p: 0.014), and in
divergence-induced mydriasis (p: 0.003). In all of these, the difference between
control eyes and pseudoexfoliative eyes of patients with PXS was significant.
CONCLUSIONS: Pupillometry seems to be a promising noninvasive method to detect
the clinical signs of PXS and may be useful for an accurate diagnosis.

PMID: 18350437 [PubMed - in process]

18: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):253-61. 

Analysis of autoantibodies against human retinal antigens in sera of patients
with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Reichelt J, Joachim SC, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH.

Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes Gutenberg
University, Mainz, Germany.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to show that complex antibody patterns
against retinal antigens in sera of patients with glaucoma, found in previous
studies, are autoantibodies against human antigens. METHODS: Sera of 179
patients were collected at the Department of Ophthalmology (University of Mainz,
Germany): non-glaucomatous control patients (n=45), primary open-angle glaucoma
(n=45), ocular hypertension (n=44), and normal tension glaucoma patients (n=45).
The sera were tested against Western blots of human retinal antigens. IgG
antibody patterns were analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques, and some
significant antigens were identified by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: All
subjects, even healthy ones, showed different and complex banding patterns.
Glaucoma groups showed up- and down-regulations of antibody reactivities
compared to the control group. The multivariate analysis of discriminance found
significant differences (p<0.05) in IgG antibody profiles between glaucoma
groups, ocular hypertension, and healthy subjects against human retinal
antigens. The antigen band at 12 kDa was identified as Histone H4 via mass
spectrometry, the 29 kDa band as cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein, and one
at 49 kDa as retinal S-antigen. CONCLUSIONS: Using human retinal antigen, we
demonstrated that complex autoantibody patterns exist in sera of patients with
glaucoma. Large correlations with previous studies using bovine retinal antigens
could be seen.

Publication Types:
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov\'t

PMID: 18350436 [PubMed - in process]

19: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):247-52. 

The efficacy of TonoLab in detecting physiological and pharmacological changes
of mouse intraocular pressure--comparison with TonoPen and microneedle
manometery.

Saeki T, Aihara M, Ohashi M, Araie M.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo,
Japan.

PURPOSE: The efficacy of two non-invasive tonometers, TonoLab and TonoPen XL, in
detecting physiological or pharmacological changes of intraocular pressure (IOP)
in mouse eyes, was assessed by comparison with a microneedle method. MATERIAL
AND METHODS: C57BL6 mice, bred under the 12-hr light and dark cycle over 2
weeks, were used. Under systemic anesthesia, mouse eyes were cannulated by a
microneedle connected to a transducer and a water reservoir. We manipulated the
intracameral pressure by changing the reservoir height, and obtained tonometer
readings at each pressure (n=39) with TonoLab and TonoPen XL. The correlation
between each tonometer and the manometer was analyzed. Then the diurnal
variation of IOP in the light and dark phases, and the IOP-lowering effect at 2
hr after latanoprost instillation, were measured with TonoLab, TonoPen XL, and a
microneedle tonometer (n=8). RESULTS: In mouse eyes, TonoPen XL could not show
reliable scores, but TonoLab readings showed a strong correlation with manometer
readings (y=0.87x-0.27, r2=0.917). Nocturnal elevation of IOP in mouse eyes was
significantly indicated with TonoLab and a microneedle tonometer (p<0.001), but
not with TonoPen XL. Latanoprost significantly reduced IOP by 2.1+/-2.8 and
2.0+/-1.0 mmHg with TonoLab and a microneedle tonometer, but not with TonoPen
XL. CONCLUSION: TonoLab provides similar readings to a microneedle tonometer,
and diurnal variation and drug effect were detectable in mouse eyes. TonoLab
promises to be a non-invasive and useful method to evaluate physiological and
pharmacological studies in mouse eyes.

Publication Types:
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov\'t

PMID: 18350435 [PubMed - in process]

20: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):237-45. 

Co-treatment of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and mitomycin-C induces the
apoptosis of rabbit tenon\'s capsule fibroblast and improves the outcome of
glaucoma filtration surgery.

Kim TH, Kim SW, Woo JM, Rho JH, Lee DJ, Park JM, Jeong WJ, Park WC, Yoo YH, Rho
SH.

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Dong-A University College of Medicine
and Medical Science Research Center, Busan, South Korea.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to develop a new treatment modality that
would be able to minimize fibrosis and provide better outcome with glaucoma
filtration surgery (GFS). METHODS: We examined whether co-treatment with
mitomycin-C (MMC) and histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) suberoylanilide
hydroxamic acid (SAHA) efficiently induces apoptosis on rabbit Tenon\'s capsule
fibroblasts (TCF) in vitro. We further examined the effect of co-treatment with
SAHA and MMC on the alteration of IOP and the bleb survival in rabbits following
GFS. RESULTS: Co-treatment of MMC and SAHA efficiently induces apoptosis in TCFs
via the up-regulation of p53 and increased phosphorylation of p53 on serine 15
and 392. Also, co-treatment of SAHA and low-dose MMC decreases IOP, prolongs
bleb survival, and induces apoptosis of cells under the bleb area following GFS.
CONCLUSION: This study shows that a co-treatment of SAHA and MMC could improve
the outcome of GFS.

Publication Types:
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov\'t

PMID: 18350434 [PubMed - in process]

21: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):225-35. 

Evaluation of severity of HSV-1 corneal infection by statistical pattern
classification technique.

Shieh YY, Perng GC.

Department of Radiological Sciences, UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange,
California, USA.

PURPOSE: Slit lamp photography is a daily practice in ophthalmic examinations in
clinic settings. Images of the ocular integrity enable the clinicians to
evaluate the progress of disease. However, the lack of a consistent objective
measuring scheme to evaluate the corneal epithelial defects is a concern.
METHODS: Rabbits were ocularly infected with HSV-1. Fluorescein solution was
applied to the rabbit eyes to reveal lesions. Images were taken via a Nikon
digital camera equipped with cobalt blue excitation filter. A modified Bayes
classifier (MBC) based on two carefully chosen features was applied to analyze
images of infected rabbit corneas. RESULTS: MBC utilizing a feature set
comprising green-to-red ratio and green-to-blue ratio could differentiate
infected from normal pixels with an error rate as low as 2.2%. CONCLUSION: The
ability of MBC to measure the percentage of corneal surface suffering from
infection makes this approach a valuable tool for investigating the dynamics of
corneal-related diseases.

Publication Types:
    Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov\'t

PMID: 18350433 [PubMed - in process]

22: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):215-23. 

Modified BIGH3 with an RGDRGD motif promotes human corneal epithelial cell
adhesion and migration in vitro.

Ge H, Cao W, Leng F, Chen W, Liu P, Chen W.

Eye Hospital, The First Clinical Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin,
China.

PURPOSE: BIGH3 protein plays an important role in mediating human corneal
epithelial (HCE) cell adhesion and migration. The aim of this study was to
investigate the effects of native and modified BIGH3 protein containing an
Arg-Gly-Asp-Arg-Gly-Asp (RGDRGD) motif on the adhesion and migration of HCE
cells. METHODS: A modified human BIGH3 gene containing an RGDRGD motif was
obtained by rapid site-directed mutagenesis. Recombinant human native and
modified BIGH3 proteins were then obtained and purified. The effects of the
native and the modified version on the adhesion and migration of HCE cells were
examined in the presence or absence of anti-alpha3beta1 antibody or anti-BIGH3
antibody or RGD peptide in vitro. RESULTS: Recombinant native and modified BIGH3
proteins were successfully obtained and significantly promoted the adhesion and
migration of human HCE cells in vitro, and the construct with the RGDRGD motif
was more effective. The enhanced adhesion and migration were blocked by
anti-alpha3beta1antibody or anti-BIGH3 antibody or RGD peptide. CONCLUSION:
BIGH3 promotes HCE cell adhesion and migration; modified RGDRGD-BIGH3 was more
effective than native BIGH, and this is mediated by the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif
and alpha3beta1integrin in a RGD-dependent manner.

PMID: 18350432 [PubMed - in process]

23: Curr Eye Res. 2008 Mar;33(3):205-13. 

Experimental assessment of human corneal hysteresis.

Elsheikh A, Wang D, Rama P, Campanelli M, Garway-Heath D.

Division of Civil Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.
a.i.h.elsheikh@dundee.ac.uk

PURPOSE: Hysteresis is a viscoelastic property characterized by the difference
in behavior under loading and unloading. The aim of the study was to determine
corneal hysteresis using experimental means. METHODS: Twenty-nine human corneas
with 50-95 year age were subjected to cycles of pressure loading and unloading.
Two pressure application rates were adopted to approximate static and dynamic
loading conditions. RESULTS: The behavior under both loading and unloading was
found to stiffen with increased age. The unloading behavior appeared to be
largely independent of the pressure level at which unloading started. The
difference between the behavior patterns under loading and unloading was
quantified and used as a measure of corneal hysteresis. The hysteresis area was
significantly larger with faster loading and with decreased age. CONCLUSIONS:
The trend for hysteresis to decrease with age is in agreement with previous
clinical observations. Hysteresis was also found to increase with faster
pressure application.

Publication Types:
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov\'t

PMID: 18350431 [PubMed - in process]