[Pseudoexfoliative syndrome. Possible role of C-reactive protein and autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of the disease].

Participation of acute inflammatory proteins (C-reactive protein, alpha-I-inhibitor of proteinases, C1q component of complement, IgG and IgM) in pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliative syndrome (PES) and, particularly of senile cataract was studied. In the course of the syndrome development blood vessel permeability was increased in the anterior chamber of the eye. Content of proteins in aqueous humor was increased 10-fold and even more as compared with normal state. High amount of proteins, main fractions of which were located at zones of 68,000, 37,000 and 20,500 D, were detected after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in presence of sodium dodecylsulfate. The zone of a protein with molecular mass of 20,500 D was found in presence of a reducing agent; in absence of the latter the zone was only slightly visible. The enzyme-labelled assay, used for detection of antigens in lens capsule, enabled to find such antigens as C-reactive proteins, IgG, IgM and less distinctly C1q component of complement.