Vascular adhesion protein-1 blockade suppresses choroidal neovascularization

FASEB J. 2008 Aug;22(8):2928-35. doi: 10.1096/fj.07-105346. Epub 2008 Apr 24.

Abstract

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is an endothelial cell adhesion molecule involved in leukocyte recruitment. Leukocytes and, in particular, macrophages play an important role in the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), an integral component of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Previously, we showed a role for VAP-1 in ocular inflammation. Here, we investigate the expression of VAP-1 in the choroid and its role in CNV development. VAP-1 was expressed in the choroid, exclusively in the vessels, and colocalized in the vessels of the CNV lesions. VAP-1 blockade with a novel and specific inhibitor significantly decreased CNV size, fluorescent angiographic leakage, and the accumulation of macrophages in the CNV lesions. Furthermore, VAP-1 blockade significantly reduced the expression of inflammation-associated molecules such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) -1, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) -1. This work provides evidence for an important role of VAP-1 in the recruitment of macrophages to CNV lesions, establishing a novel link between VAP-1 and angiogenesis. Inhibition of VAP-1 may become a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of AMD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing) / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing) / genetics
  • Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing) / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology*
  • Cell Movement
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / pathology
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / physiopathology
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / prevention & control*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Macrophages / physiology
  • Macular Degeneration / etiology
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred BN
  • Rats, Inbred Lew
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • DNA Primers
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)
  • vascular adhesion protein-1, rat