Elevated levels of RhoA in the optic nerve head of human eyes with glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To determine changes in the expression profile of RhoA and Rho kinase (ROCK-1 and ROCK-2) in the aqueous humor outflow pathway and optic nerve head (ONH) of human eyes with or without glaucoma to explore their potential involvement in glaucoma pathophysiology. METHODS: Age-matched paraffin-embedded postmortem eyes from patients with or without glaucoma were stained immunohistochemically using polyclonal antibodies raised against RhoA, ROCK-1, and ROCK-2. The intensity of the immunostaining in the aqueous humor outflow pathway and the ONH was graded by 4 individuals who were masked concerning whether the eyes were from normal individuals or those with glaucoma. RESULTS: Both normal eyes and those with glaucoma showed a positive staining for RhoA, ROCK-1, and ROCK-2 in the trabecular meshwork, ciliary muscle, and ONH. There was a significant increase in the RhoA protein levels in the glaucomatous ONH compared with the age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of RhoA in the ONH of glaucomatous eyes suggest possible involvement of RhoA in the pathophysiology of glaucoma.

Duke Scholars

Author Alan David Proia Pathology

Author Ponugoti Vasantha Rao Ophthalmology, Glaucoma