The purpose of this study was to examine the localization and relative levels of
vascular endothelial growth factor (
VEGF; an
angiogenic factor) and
pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF; an antiangiogenic factor) in aged human choroid and to determine if the localization or their relative levels changed in
age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ocular tissues were obtained from eight aged control donors (age range, 75-86 years; mean age, 79.8 years) with no evidence or history of chorioretinal disease and from 12 donors diagnosed with AMD (age range, 61-105 years; mean age, 83.9 years). Tissues were cryopreserved and
streptavidin alkaline phosphatase immunohistochemistry was performed with rabbit polyclonal anti-human
VEGF and rabbit polyclonal anti-human PEDF
antibodies. Binding of the
antibodies was blocked by preincubation of the antibody with an excess of recombinant human PEDF or
VEGF peptide. Choroidal blood vessels were identified with mouse anti-human CD-34 antibody in adjacent tissue sections. Three independent observers graded the immunohistochemical reaction product. The most prominent sites of
VEGF and PEDF localization in aged control choroid were RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex including RPE basal lamina, intercapillary septa, and choroidal stroma. There was no significant difference in immunostaining intensity and localization of
VEGF and PEDF in aged control choroids. The most intense
VEGF immunoreactivity was observed in leukocytes within blood vessels. AMD choroid had a similar pattern and intensity of
VEGF immunostaining to that observed in aged controls. However, PEDF immunoreactivity was significantly lower in RPE cells (p=0.0073), RPE basal lamina (p=0.0141), Bruch's membrane (p<0.0001), and choroidal stroma (p=0.0161) of AMD choroids. The most intense PEDF immunoreactivity was observed in disciform
scars. Drusen and basal laminar deposits (BLDs) were positive for
VEGF and PEDF. In aged control subjects,
VEGF and PEDF immunostaining was the most intense in RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex. In AMD, PEDF was significantly lower in RPE cells, RPE basal lamina, Bruch's membrane and choroidal stroma. These data suggest that a critical balance exists between PEDF and
VEGF, and PEDF may counteract the angiogenic potential of
VEGF. The decrease in PEDF may disrupt the balance and be permissive for the formation of
choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in AMD.