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[The effect of platelet-derived growth factor on the formation of proliferative vitreoretinopathy]
Yong Liang1, Xiaoxin Li, Jingyu Fan
1Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital, Beijing University, Beijing 100044, China (Email: liang-yong@263.net)
Objective:
To study the actions of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in proliferative membrane formation of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and whether there is the existence of PDGF secreting cells and target cells.
Methods:
Seven epiretinal membranes (ERM) and 7 subretinal membranes (SRM) obtained from eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment complicated by PVR were studied. A panel of polyclonal antibodies against PDGF-A and -B ligands, PDGF-alpha and -beta receptors, cytokeratin [the marker of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell] and glial fibrillary acidic protein (the marker of glial cell) was used in immune electron microscopy to examine the expression of PDGF and PDGF receptors (PDGFR) in the membranes. The relationship of PDGF protein and the main cellular composition of ERM and SRM, retinal pigment epithelial and glial cells, was detected by using the double-labeling techniques of immune electron microscopy.
Results:
Positive protein expression of PDGF-A located in the cytoplasm of some cells was detected in 7 ERMs and 5 of 7 SRMs. Positive protein expression of PDGF-B was detected in 7 ERMs and 5 of 6 SRMs, and it was located in the cytoplasm of some cells, especially in the secreting granules. RPE cells and glial cells were identified in ERMs and SRMs. PDGF receptors were not detected in the ERM and SRM in this research. Double-labeling of PDGF and cytokeratin showed that RPE cells were the secreting cells of PDGF. Similarly, double-labeling of PDGF and glial fibrillary acidic protein showed that glial cells were the secreting cells of PDGF.
Conclusions:
PDGF can be secreted by the cells of ERM and SRM. PDGF plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PVR. RPE and glial cells are the secreting cells of PDGF. The results indicate that PDGF affects cellular behavior by autocrine or paracrine mode in the formation of PVR.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is secreted by retinal pigment epithelial and glial cells in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) membranes, driving disease progression. This indicates PDGF
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a severe complication of retinal detachment characterized by the formation of epiretinal and subretinal membranes.
- The role of growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), in the pathogenesis of PVR is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in the formation of proliferative membranes in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).
- To identify PDGF-secreting cells and potential target cells within epiretinal membranes (ERM) and subretinal membranes (SRM).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 7 ERMs and 7 SRMs from PVR patients using immune electron microscopy.
- Utilized polyclonal antibodies against PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-alpha receptors, PDGF-beta receptors, cytokeratin (retinal pigment epithelial cell marker), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (glial cell marker).
- Employed double-labeling techniques to determine the cellular source and localization of PDGF within the membranes.
Main Results:
- Positive protein expression of PDGF-A and PDGF-B was detected in ERMs and SRMs, with PDGF-B found in secreting granules.
- Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and glial cells were identified as the primary cell types within the membranes.
- PDGF receptors were not detected in the analyzed ERM and SRM samples, suggesting an autocrine or paracrine signaling mechanism.
Conclusions:
- PDGF is secreted by RPE and glial cells within ERMs and SRMs, playing a significant role in PVR pathogenesis.
- The findings suggest that PDGF influences cellular behavior through autocrine or paracrine signaling pathways in PVR development.
- Targeting PDGF may offer a therapeutic strategy for managing PVR.
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