Hyaluronan in the exfoliation syndrome.

PURPOSE

To histochemically analyze if the glycoseaminoglycan component of pseudoexfoliation material consists of hyaluronan.

METHODS

The hyaluronan binding region of cartilage proteoglycans was utilized in a staining specific for hyaluronan. The technique has been described and employed previously. Human donor eyes with and without the presence of visible pseudoexfoliations were analyzed.

RESULTS

Hyaluronan was found to coat the fibrillar exfoliation material on the lens, the zonules, the iris epithelium and the ciliary body. It was also found on a capsular bag following cataract surgery.

CONCLUSION

In the anterior chamber hyaluronan constitutes one part of the exfoliation material. Abnormal findings of hyaluronan could be found in the cornea.