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Originally published In Press as doi:10.1167/iovs.08-1984 on August 15, 2008
 (Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2008;49:5574-5580.)
© 2008 by The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.
DOI:  10.1167/iovs.08-1984
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Elastin-Mediated Choroidal Endothelial Cell Migration: Possible Role in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Jessica M. Skeie1,2 and Robert F. Mullins1

1From the Center for Macular Degeneration, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, and the 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.

PURPOSE. Endothelial cell (EC) migration is a key event in angiogenesis, and is likely to play an important role in choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Altered elastin metabolism has been described in AMD, and the present study sought to determine the effects of elastin-derived peptides (EDPs) on choroidal EC migration and proliferation.

METHODS. Migration of the chorioretinal EC line Rf/6a and a primary culture of human choroidal ECs through polycarbonate membrane inserts was quantified in the presence of elastin bioactive hexapeptides (BPs), EDPs, bovine serum albumin (BSA), or balanced salt solution. Proliferation assays and in vitro wound closure experiments were also performed in the presence of elastin fragments or balanced salt solution (control). Elastin overlay experiments were performed on sections of human eyes.

RESULTS. For both Rf/6a and human primary choroidal ECs exposed to EDPs or BPs, the number of ECs that migrated through the polycarbonate membrane was significantly higher than ECs exposed to balanced salt solution alone or to BSA (P < 0.05) in all experiments. In contrast, the rate of EC proliferation did not significantly change in comparison to controls. Elastin binding sites were identified on choroidal ECs in human eyes.

CONCLUSIONS. Elastin fragments increase choroidal EC migration, whereas they do not appear to increase or decrease EC proliferation. Local or systemic abnormalities in elastin physiology may participate in pathologic neovascular membrane formation in AMD.






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