NACHWEIS, LOKALISATION UND MODULATION DER HYALURONSAURE/CD44-REZEPTOR-EXPRESSION BEI PATIENTEN MIT ENDOKRINER ORBITOPATHIE

Translated title of the contribution: Detection, localization and modulation of hyaluronic acid/CD44 receptor expression in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy

A. E. Heufelder, R. S. Bahn, K. P. Boergen, P. C. Scriba

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Accumulation of hyaluronic acid within the orbital tissues represents a histological hallmark of Graves' ophthalmopathy. The hyaluronic acid/CD44-receptor plays a key role in the binding and metabolism of hyaluronic acid, and affects numerous cellular functions of potential relevance to the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy, including cell proliferation, migration, and adhesive interactions between connective tissue components and immunocompetent cells. Using a highly sensitive immunoperoxidase technique and monoclonal antibodies directed against the standard CD44 molecule, we examined the expression and modulation of hyaluronic acid/CD44 receptors in cryostat sections of orbital biopsy specimens derived from patients with severe Graves' ophthalmopathy and normal individuals. Modulation CD44 by cytokines and affinity-purified IgGs derived from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy was studied in extracts of fibroblast monolayers following stimulation in vitro, using SDS-polyacrylamid gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Strong immunoreactivity for CD44 was present in all specimens derived from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and was detected in fibroblasts residing in retroorbital connective tissue, in extracelular matrix components and in mononuclear cell infiltrates. By contrast, in normal orbital specimens, CD44 immunoreactivity was faint and present only in occasional connective tissue cells. Recombinant IL-1α, TNFα, IGF-1 and GO-IgGs significantly stimulated CD44 expression in Graves' retroocular fibroblasts (range: 168 to 588%; all p < 0.05). By contrast, EGF, IL-6, control IgGs and 15% fetal calf serum failed to alter CD44 expression. Treatment of monolayers with IFNγ resulted in weak inhibition of CD44 expression. In conclusion, the hyaluronic acid/CD44 receptor is expressed at elevated levels in Graves' orbital connective tissue in situ. Certain autocrine/paracrine factors, known to be present in the orbit Graves' ophthalmopathy, as well as patients IgGs, are capable of stimulating the expression of CD44 in Graves' retroocular fibroblasts in vitro. Local stimulation of the hyaluronic acid/CD44 receptor and the resulting metabolic and immunological consequences may play a role in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Translated title of the contributionDetection, localization and modulation of hyaluronic acid/CD44 receptor expression in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy
Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)181-184
Number of pages4
JournalMedizinische Klinik
Volume88
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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