1Hesse L., 1Löhr U., 2Elsässer H. P.

1Dept. of Ophthalmology, Philipps-University, Robert-Koch-St. 4, 35033 Marburg; 2Dept. of Cellbiology, Philipps-University, Robert-Koch-Str. 5, 35033 Marburg

Purpose: To investigate the spatial distribution of galectin-3 in adult and fetal human eyes by immunohistochemistry and western blot.
Methods: Callotes from donor human eyes (n=6) were fixed immediately after removal of the cornea. In addition 6 fetal eyes were investigated (gestational age 13-22 weeks). Localization of galectin-3 was determined by immunoperoxidase staining followed by light microscopy. In five unfixed eyes the retina was carefully dissected from the underlying choroid. Anterior, equatorial and posterior parts of the retina were investigated by semiquantitative western blot analysis.
Results: In the adult retina immunohistochemical staining of galectin-3 was strongest in anterior retina (vitreous base) and lowest at the posterior pole. Immunohistochemical differences of galectin-3 between anterior and posterior retina were confirmed by western blot analysis. No specific staining was found in the retina of fetal eyes. Galectin-3 was present in fetal lens epithelial cells and adjacent cortical fibres of the lens but not in the capsule. In contrast galectin-3 was not detectable in the lens nucleus of the adult.
Conclusions: Considering the distribution of galectin-3 this molecule may be responsible for adhesion of vitreous cortex and retina. Competitive inhibition of this binding may be achieved by selected dissacharides added to the infusion to facilitate detachmentof the vitreous cortex during vitrectomy.

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