THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM IN DANON DISEASE.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Danon disease is caused by mutations in the lysosome-associated membrane protein-2 gene (LAMP2). In the eye, LAMP2 is expressed only in the retinal pigment epithelium. This study aimed to investigate the previously unreported impact of LAMP2 mutations on the electrooculogram generated by the retinal pigment epithelium. METHODS: Four members of a family with Danon disease were examined. All have mutations in c294G > A, of the LAMP2 gene on Xq24, by which no, or aberrant, protein will be formed. Electrooculograms to International Society for the Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) standards were recorded with full-field electroretinography, Goldmann kinetic visual fields, and spectral optical coherence tomography with fundus autofluorescence imaging. RESULTS: Electrooculogram amplitude ratios of light risedark trough, the Arden index, fell at low-normal limits (range 1.68-3.94) but misrepresent retinal pigment epithelium health, because the absolute dark trough voltages were abnormally low (median 140 µV, range 72-192 µV) as were the light rise amplitudes (median 297 µV, range 198-366 µV), and full-field electroretinograms were normal. Hyperfundus autofluorescence and hypofundus autofluorescence changes became more confluent and florid with increasing age of female patients. Goldmann visual field testing showed constriction of the central field. CONCLUSION: Low electrooculogram voltages indicate that the retinal pigment epithelium is unable to maintain its tight junctions in Danon disease.