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Proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Lymphocytes in epiretinal membranes
D G Charteris1, P Hiscott, I Grierson
1Department of Clinical Science, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.
Ophthalmology
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Immune cells, specifically T lymphocytes, were found in epiretinal membranes from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). These findings suggest a potential role for activated T cells in PVR pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a severe complication of retinal detachment.
- Inflammatory and immune processes are suspected contributors to PVR pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of inflammatory and immune cells in PVR.
- To characterize infiltrating immune cells within epiretinal membranes from PVR patients.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of 21 epiretinal membranes from PVR patients.
- Utilized ABC technique with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.
- Examined for T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages/monocytes, and HLA-DR expression.
Main Results:
- T lymphocytes identified in 18/21 membranes, with CD4+ T cells in 14/18.
- Activated T cells (interleukin-2 receptor positive) found in 3/6 frozen samples.
- Macrophages/monocytes present in 5/16 membranes; no B lymphocytes or neutrophils detected.
- HLA-DR expression observed in 7/21 membranes, more consistent in frozen tissues.
Conclusions:
- T lymphocytes are present in epiretinal membranes associated with PVR.
- Evidence suggests T lymphocytes in PVR may be activated.
- These findings indicate a potential role for T lymphocytes in the pathobiology of PVR.