The Role of Apoptosis in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Evidence in this study suggests that in human AMD, RPE, photoreceptors, and inner nuclear layer cells die by apoptosis. Most TUNEL-positive RPE and photoreceptor cells were at edges of atrophy, correlating with clinically observed expansion of atrophic areas with vision loss in patients with GA. Increased Fas labeling in AMD photoreceptors indicates that the Fas/Fas ligand system may be involved in photoreceptor apoptosis. This information is essential for developing rational therapy for AMD.