Distribution of Neurofilament in Peeled Internal Limiting Membrane

Abstract

Background and Objective: The aim was to study the distribution of neurofilament in peeled internal limiting membrane (ILM). Patients and Methods: Prospective case study. Vitrectomy and ILM peeling were performed in patients with epiretinal membrane and macular hole. ILM flap specimens were obtained as one disc area size from five locations. Immunofluorescent staining was performed with an antineurofilament heavy antibody. Using a confocal microscope, retinal cell debris density was studied using the ImageJ program. Results: Percent of stained neurofilament was 1.58 ± 1.14% in total (2.45 ± 1.37% in extranasal, 1.97 ± 0.75% in extratemporal, 1.93 ± 1.26% in juxta-nasal, 0.89 ± 0.69% in fovea, and 0.63 ± 0.46% in juxtatemporal). The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant differences among groups ( P < 0.05). Bonferroni post hoc analysis only confirmed significant difference between juxtatemporal and extranasal groups ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: In peeled ILM flap, neurofilaments are rarely detected in the juxtatemporal area. However, they are frequently detected in the extranasal area. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:643–648.]