Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in the normal human eye and its expression pattern in selected eye tumours.

PURPOSE: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme involved in neoplastic processes. The purpose of the present study is to investigate COX-2 expression in the normal human eye and the expression pattern in selected eye tumours involving COX-2 expressing cells. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining using antibodies against COX-2 was performed on paraffin sections of normal human eyes and selected eye tumours arising from cells expressing COX-2. RESULTS: Cyclooxygenase-2 expression was found in various structures of the normal eye. Abundant expression was seen in the cornea, iris, ciliary body and retina. The COX-2 expression was less in tumours deriving from the ciliary epithelium and also in retinoblastoma. CONCLUSION: Cyclooxygenase-2 is constitutively expressed in normal human eyes. The expression of COX-2 is much lower in selected eye tumours involving COX-2 expressing cells.