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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Phenotypic Characterization of Macrophages from Rat Kidney by Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 18, 2016
Macrophages acquire fibroblast characteristics in a rat model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Miao-li Lin1, Yong-ping Li, Zhan-rong Li
1State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
Our aim was to establish a rat model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) induced by macrophages and investigate whether macrophages can be a cell origin of fibroblast-like cells present in PVR.
Methods:
One eye of each rat received an intravitreal injection of macrophages. Clinical examination was performed to evaluate the development of PVR. Histological study was carried out to observe the pathological progression. Immunohistochemical staining with vimentin (VIM), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), α-smooth-muscle actin (α-SM actin), cytokeratin (CK) and CD68 characterized the cell types within the PVR membranes. The distribution, morphological change of prelabeled macrophages, as well as their colocalization with CD68, VIM, GFAP, α-SM actin and CK, were observed on days 3, 14 and 28 after injection.
Results:
In response to intravitreal injection of macrophages, 90% of the experimental rats developed PVR from postoperative day 7. The histological progression of PVR was characterized by the sequential appearance of inflammatory cell invasion, fibroblast proliferation and scar formation. The dominating cells comprising the proliferative membranes at the advanced stage were fibroblasts. Injected macrophages retained round shape and positive staining with CD68 on day 3. On day 28, they acquired elongated/spindle shape combined with intense staining of VIM but absence of CD68, GFAP, α-SM actin and CK, and became the primary constituent of fibrocellular membranes.
Conclusions:
Macrophages effectively and reproducibly induce the development of proliferative fibrocellular membranes in rats. In this PVR model, macrophages acquire fibroblast-like cell phenotype and contribute to fibrocellular membranes directly, suggesting that macrophages may be a cell origin of fibroblast-like cells involved in PVR.
Insights
Macrophages can induce proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in rats, transforming into fibroblast-like cells that form membranes. This study suggests macrophages are a direct origin of these cells in PVR development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a severe complication of retinal detachment.
- The cellular origins of the fibrocellular membranes in PVR remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a rat model of macrophage-induced PVR.
- To investigate if macrophages are a cellular source of fibroblast-like cells in PVR.
Main Methods:
- Intravitreal injection of macrophages into rat eyes.
- Clinical and histological evaluation of PVR development.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of cell markers (CD68, VIM, GFAP, α-SM actin, CK) in injected macrophages and PVR membranes.
Main Results:
- 90% of rats developed PVR post-macrophage injection, characterized by inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, and scar formation.
- Injected macrophages initially expressed CD68, then transformed into Vimentin-positive, fibroblast-like cells by day 28.
- Macrophages became the primary component of the fibrocellular membranes.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages effectively induce PVR and form proliferative fibrocellular membranes in a rat model.
- Macrophages can directly differentiate into fibroblast-like cells, suggesting they are a key cell origin in PVR pathogenesis.
