Autoimmunity against neurofilament protein and its possible association with HLA-DRB1*1502 allele in glaucoma.

Glaucoma is understood as a neurodegenerative disease and intraocular pressure has been regarded as the major risk factors for the optic nerve damages. However, recent studies suggested that several risk factors including autoimmunity are also shown to play important roles in glaucoma. To identify the retinal antigen in glaucoma, we used the serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries (SEREX) approach and quantified IgG antibodies directed against the identified antigens in an ELISA.

Proteoglycans in the eye.

Purpose: Various proteoglycans are expressed in ocular tissues. We investigated and reviewed the distribution and the potential roles of proteoglycans in cornea, trabecular meshwork, and retinal tissues.

Methods: Immunohistochemical studies were performed in rat ocular tissues.