Immunofluorescence Detection of Globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) Deposits in Conjunctival Biopsies of Fabry Disease Patients

ROZENFELD P,; CROXATO R,; EBNER R,; CARLOS ALBERTO FOSSATI

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY.

Blackwell Science Asia, Australia

Año: 2006 vol. 34 p. 689 - 694

1442-6404

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder due to a deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A and leads to the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in various cells. The detection of Gb3 deposits may help in the diagnosis. To date, no immunofluorescence-specific detection of Gb3 in conjunctival biopsies has been reported. The aim of this work was to detect Gb3 accumulation in conjunctival biopsies from Fabry patients by immunofluorescence. METHODS: Conjunctival biopsies taken from Fabry males and females, before and after enzyme replacement therapy, and normal controls were processed for immunofluorescence with a monoclonal antibody specific for Gb3. RESULTS: Positive green immunofluorescence was observed in all biopsies from Fabry patients before enzyme replacement therapy. After 6 months of treatment, immunofluorescence in blood vessels was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Immunofluorescence detection of Gb3 in conjunctival biopsies may be a reliable method for the diagnosis of Fabry disease in family members, and to evaluate effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy.