SPARC is expressed in scars of the Tenon's capsule and mediates scarring properties of human Tenon's fibroblasts in vitro.

Purpose: To investigate the expression of the matricellular protein SPARC (secreted acidic cysteine-rich glycoprotein) in scarred human Tenon's capsule and in cultured human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTF), and to analyze the influence of SPARC on cell proliferation and collagen matrix contraction in vitro.

Methods: Human Tenon's capsule scars obtained from surgical revisions after filtration surgery were analyzed for SPARC expression by immunohistochemistry. In cultured HTF cells, SPARC expression was assessed by northern and western blot analyses after incubation with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β2.

Localization of collagen XVIII and endostatin in the human eye.

Purpose: To investigate the localization of endostatin, a potent angiogenesis inhibitor, and its progenitor collagen XVIII in the human eye.

Methods: Twelve normal human eyes were investigated. Immunohistochemistry of the anterior and posterior eye segment was performed using a polyclonal endostatin and collagen XVIII antibody and a monoclonal collagen XVIII antibody.

Ectopic norrin induces growth of ocular capillaries and restores normal retinal angiogenesis in Norrie disease mutant mice.

Norrie disease is an X-linked retinal dysplasia that presents with congenital blindness, sensorineural deafness, and mental retardation. Norrin, the protein product of the Norrie disease gene (NDP), is a secreted protein of unknown biochemical function. Norrie disease (Ndp(y/-)) mutant mice that are deficient in norrin develop blindness, show a distinct failure in retinal angiogenesis, and completely lack the deep capillary layers of the retina.

Alkylphosphocholines: a new therapeutic option in glaucoma filtration surgery.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of alkylphosphocholines (APCs) on human Tenon fibroblast (HTF) proliferation, migration, and cell-mediated collagen gel contraction.

Methods: HTFs were isolated from tissue samples of three patients obtained during surgery and cultured in DMEM and 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). HTFs (passage 3-6) were treated with one APC in different concentrations spanning the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)), as determined previously.

Norrie gene product is necessary for regression of hyaloid vessels.

Purpose: To investigate the nature and origin of the vitreous membranes in mice with knock-out of the Norrie gene product (ND mice).

Methods: Eighty-two eyes of ND mice of different age groups (postnatal day [P]0-13 months) and 95 age-matched wild-type control mice were investigated. In vitreoretinal wholemounts and in sagittal sections, vessels and free cells were visualized by labeling for lectin.