TGF-β and RPE-Derived Cells in Taut Subretinal Strands from Patients with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Abstract

Purpose TO investigate the distribution of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and cells derived from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as a major source for TGF-β in subretinal strands (SRSs), originating from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and proliferative diabetic vitreoretinopathy (PDVR). Methods Nine SRSs (PVR: n = 6 and PDVR: n = 3) were obtained during pars plana vitrectomy. Specimens were processed for immunohistochemical analysis in paraffin wax or studied by transmission electron microscopy. Results Staining for TGF-β was consistent in all specimens. The content of RPE-derived cells identified by anticytokeratin staining revealed considerable differences, ranging from <10 to >90%. Conclusions The widespread immunoreactivity for TGF-β in SRSs suggests a significant role of this group of cytokines in the pathologic course of PVR.