This study was conducted to investigate whether fibronectin, type IV collagen, and concanavalin A(Con A) were present in human Bruch's membrane. We used monoclonal antibodies to localize extracellular matrix(ECM) of Bruch's membrane in 10 enucleated human eyes by indirect immunofluorescent method. Posterior chorioretinal tissues were excised and embedded. Fibronectin and type IV collagen antibodies and Con A antibody were added to each section, and then FITC conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG was added. The appearance of tissue preparations were examined by fluorescence microscope. Bruch's membrane showed strong positive reaction to anti-fibronectin and antitype IV collagen antibody, but the staining for Con A was not seen or weakly posItive in reaction. These results indicate that fibronectin and type IV collagen are major compon ents of ECM of Bruch's membrane. On the other hand, Con A does not contribute to the major component of the matrix of Bruch's membrane.
Antibodies ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Bruch Membrane* ; Collagen ; Collagen Type IV* ; Concanavalin A* ; Extracellular Matrix ; Fibronectins* ; Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate ; Fluorescence ; Goats ; Hand ; Humans* ; Immunoglobulin G