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Published on: October 28, 2022
Assessment of retinal pigment epithelial cells in epiretinal membrane formation
Lei-Chi Wang1, Kuo-Hsuan Hung2, Chih-Chien Hsu3
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Background:
The definite etiology of epiretinal membrane (ERM) is unknown. Clinically, ERM may cause metamorphopsia and decreased vision during the disease exacerbation. Several theories of pathogenesis emphasize a glial tissue origin. However, in some studies, surgically removed ERM specimens were found to contain retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The actual mechanism by which RPE cells gain access into the inner retina and what roles they play in the formation of ERM remain controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of RPE cells in ERM and discuss the possible mechanisms.
Methods:
A retrospective review of the histological findings in 23 surgically removed specimens of ERM was done. The samples were studied using light microscopy and immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Glial cells were the main components in all 23 cases, and RPE cells were found in five of the specimens. Two of these five cases were clinically diagnosed as idiopathic macular pucker, whereas the other three cases were identified as macular pucker associated with previous retinal detachment. A much higher density of myofibroblasts was noted in these five specimens than in the other 18 cases.
Conclusion:
The incidence of RPE cells found in ERM is 21.7% (5 out of 23 specimens). A strong association between RPE cells and myofibroblasts in cases of ERM with or without retinal detachment indicates that RPE cells may contribute to the formation of ERM via a wound healing process.
Insights
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were found in 21.7% of epiretinal membrane (ERM) specimens. Their presence, along with myofibroblasts, suggests RPE cells contribute to ERM formation through wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- The exact cause of epiretinal membrane (ERM) is unknown, though glial cells are implicated.
- ERM can lead to vision impairment and metamorphopsia.
- Previous findings of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in ERM specimens raise questions about their origin and role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of RPE cells in surgically removed ERM.
- To explore potential mechanisms of RPE cell involvement in ERM formation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 23 surgically excised ERM specimens.
- Histological examination using light microscopy and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Glial cells were present in all 23 ERM specimens.
- RPE cells were identified in 5 out of 23 specimens (21.7%).
- ERM specimens containing RPE cells showed a higher density of myofibroblasts, particularly in cases with prior retinal detachment.
Conclusions:
- RPE cells are present in a significant subset of ERM.
- The association of RPE cells with myofibroblasts suggests a role in ERM pathogenesis.
- RPE cells may contribute to ERM development through a wound healing response.
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