Proteomic analysis of aqueous humour from patients with acute corneal rejection.

PURPOSE

To compare the basic proteomic composition of aqueous humour (AH) from patients with corneal rejection (patients) with AH from patients with cataract (controls).

METHODS

Aqueous humour was analysed for total protein concentration using Bradford's method and for protein composition using two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. Image analysis was used to detect protein spots in 2D gels that were increased by more than factor 2 in patients as compared with controls. Increased spots were identified by immunoblotting and mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Aqueous humour from patients contained significantly higher total protein concentration than did AH from controls. A total of 31 spots were significantly increased in 2D gels from patients. The spots were derived from albumin, alpha1-antitrypsin, apolipoprotein J, cytokeratin type II, serin proteinase inhibitor and transthyretin. After correction of spot volumes by total protein concentrations, 10 spots derived from albumin, cytokeratin type II and alpha1-antitrypsin remained significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

The proteomic composition of AH differed significantly between patients and controls. The identified proteins suggest that the changes in AH are due to at least three different mechanisms: breakdown of the aqueous-blood barrier, enzymatic degradation, and liberation of locally synthesized proteins.