Autoantibodies to transducin in a patient with melanoma-associated retinopathy

Am J Ophthalmol. 2002 Jul;134(1):128-30. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(02)01431-9.

Abstract

Purpose: To report novel immunoreactivity in a patient with melanoma-associated retinopathy.

Design: Retrospective case report and experimental study.

Methods: A 32-year-old woman with a history of metastatic melanoma presented with bilateral decreased visual acuity. Electroretinography, Goldmann perimetry, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting of her serum were performed.

Results: Electroretinography showed a "negative" B-wave. Paracentral and central scotomas were observed on Goldmann perimetry. Antibodies to a retinal transducin were demonstrated by Western blotting. No immunoreactivity to retinal bipolar cells was detected by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion: Melanoma-associated retinopathy can be related to a variety of antiretinal antibodies. Recognition of transducin, a novel melanoma-associated retinopathy antigen, may be important for identifying and treating patients with night blindness and melanoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / analysis*
  • Autoantigens / immunology*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Electroretinography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Melanoma / complications*
  • Melanoma / secondary
  • Night Blindness / diagnosis
  • Night Blindness / etiology
  • Night Blindness / immunology
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / etiology
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / immunology*
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology
  • Retinal Diseases / immunology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Scotoma / diagnosis
  • Scotoma / etiology
  • Scotoma / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Transducin / immunology*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Field Tests

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Transducin