Expression Of Metalloproteinases-3 Matrix, Laminin And Collagen Ⅲ In Pterygum

[ Objective ]: To study the expression and the immunohistochemical location of Matrix Metalloproteinases-3 ( MMP-3 ), Laminin ( LN ) and collagen â…¢ ( col â…¢), to explore the relationship among MMP-3 , LN and col â…¢ with pterygium .[ Methods ]: Primary nasal pterygial tissues ( 15 cases ) and the normal human conjunctival tissues ( 8 cases ) were studied by immunohistochemical staining , using monoclonal and polyconal antibodies specific against MMP-3 , LN and collagen â…¢ . Intensity of reaction on individual sections was graded semi-quantitatively . And special staining such as masson's trichrome and van Gieson sraining were used to study the distribution of collogen fibers and elastic fibers .[ Results ]: On H&E staining , the subepithelial connective tissues and vessels in pterygium were more prominent than those of normal conjunctiva tissue . An amorphous subepithelial superficial hyalinized zone and coarse eosinophilic granular materials were observed in pterygia , but not in normal conjunctival specimens . Coarse fibers were visible only in the deeper subepithelial connective tissues of pterygial samples .On Masson's trichrome staining , the dense staining of collagen fibers was also more prominent in pterygium than in the subepithelial connective tissues of normal conjunctiva. Abnormal collagen fibers were visible in the deeper subepithelial connective tissues of pterygial samples.On van Gieson staining , abnormal collagen fibers were visible in the deeper...