endothelin-1 and endoththelin-converting enzyme-1 in human granulomatous patholy of eyelid: an immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization study in chalazia

• Autores: Lauretta Massai, N. Volpi, P. Carbotti, M. Fruschelli, M. Mencarelli, A. Pecorelli, M. Muscettola, M. Aglianò, C. Alessandrini, G. Grasso
• Localización: Histology and histopathology: cellular and molecular biology, ISSN-e 1699-5848, ISSN 0213-3911, Vol. 22, Nº. 12, 2007, págs. 1343-1354
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, is involved in several functions of eye pathophysiology, such as regulation of intraocular tension and retinal reactive vasoconstriction. As ET-1 pro-inflammatory and fibrosing activity is emerging in different fields of pathology, we investigated the expression of ET-1 and endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) in chalazia, granulomatous lesions of the eyelid.

    ET-1 and ECE-1 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in twenty surgically removed chalazia, with regard to expression in eyelid structures and inflammatory infiltrate. Phenotype of ET-1 expressing inflammatory cells was established by double immunofluorescence. The cellular localization of prepro-ET-1 (pp-ET-1) mRNA and ECE-1 mRNA was studied by nonisotopic in situ hybridization (ISH).

    Neutrophils (PMNs), macrophages and T-lymphocytes were scattered in stroma, around alveoli and grouped in lipogranulomas. PMNs, macrophages, basal epithelium of meibomian adenomers and central ducts immunostained for ET-1. ECE-1 protein was found in meibomian adenomers, conjunctival epithelium, tarsal mucous glands and in inflammatory cells. Hybridization signals for pp-ET-1 mRNA and ECE-1 mRNA were recognized in healthy and degenerating meibomian ducts, adenomers, inflammatory cells, as well as in vessel walls. ECE-1 mRNA was also present in conjunctival epithelium and Henle¿s crypts.

    Our findings suggest that the multifunctional peptide ET-1 may have a role in molecular genesis of tissue damage in chalazia. ET-1 cytokine activity is likely to support the migration of inflammatory cells and the setting of lipogranulomas; ET-1 stimulation might contribute to proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen synthesis. ET-1 upregulation on meibomian adenomers and ducts may further enhance granulomas formation by stimulating lipid release. Histol Histopathol 22, 1343-1354 (2007)