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Macrophage markers and C3d in the central & peripheral choroid of young, aged and amd eyes
Author(s) -
MADIGAN MC,
VAN DEN BERG C,
MORELAND A,
LIANG J,
LORD S,
DEMIR A,
JAISWAL S,
JAGER MJ
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2012.3683.x
Subject(s) - choroid , cd163 , macular degeneration , drusen , retina , cd68 , macrophage , pathology , immunostaining , medicine , retinal , choroidal neovascularization , ophthalmology , immunohistochemistry , biology , in vitro , neuroscience , biochemistry
Purpose To investigate the distribution and expression of macrophage phenotypes and the complement activation protein, C3d, in human choroid/retina in young, aged and AMD eyes. Methods Paraffin sections of central and peripheral choroid/retina from young (<40 years, n=6), aged (>70 years, n=4) and AMD (>70 years, n=8) human post‐mortem eyes were co‐immunolabelled with antibodies to leukocyte and macrophage markers (CD68, CD163, Iba1 & CD45) and complement activation component, C3d. Localisation and distribution of antibodies was assessed using confocal microscopy. Counts of macrophage sub‐populations were compared in central and peripheral choroid for each group. Results Heterogeneous populations of macrophages were found in the choroid/retina of all groups. Iba1+ and CD45+ retinal microglia and macrophages, and choroidal macrophages were observed in all eyes. In AMD eyes, Iba1+ and CD45+ cells were seen in the subretinal space amongst photoreceptors, as well as in inner retina. Compared to young eyes, aged and AMD specimens showed increased numbers of CD163+ macrophages (M2, proangiogenic) in choroid, and in central vs peripheral retina. Fewer CD68+ cells were seen in all specimens, regardless of age or location. C3d was expressed in young, aged and AMD eyes, localised to Bruch’s membrane and choriocapillaris, with more extensive immunostaining in aged and AMD eyes. C3d was also seen in drusen in aged and AMD eyes, and more peripherally, compared to young eyes. Conclusion Age‐related changes in macrophage phenotypes and in complement pathway activation at the choroidal/retinal interface may play a role in development and progression of AMD. Supported by Sydney Foundation for Medical Research.