Hyaluronan in the exfoliation syndrome

Abstract

PURPOSE: To histochemically analyze if the glycoseaminoglycan component of pseudoexfoliation material consists of hyaluronan. METHODS: The hyaluronan binding region of cartilage proteoglycans was utilized in a staining specific for hyaluronan. The technique has been described and employed previously. Human donor eyes with and without the presence of visible pseudoexfoliations were analyzed. RESULTS: Hyaluronan was found to coat the fibrillar exfoliation material on the lens, the zonules, the iris epithelium and the ciliary body. It was also found on a capsular bag following cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: In the anterior chamber hyaluronan constitutes one part of the exfoliation material. Abnormal findings of hyaluronan could be found in the cornea.