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Comparison of histopathological findings between idiopathic and secondary epiretinal membranes
Mari Ueki1, Seita Morishita1, Ryohsuke Kohmoto1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki-City, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan.
Abstract:
To evaluate the histopathological findings of idiopathic and secondary epithelial membranes (ERMs). This study involved 19 ERM cases that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). ERM specimens were obtained from each patient during PPV and immediately fixed in 10 % formalin. Paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical analysis was performed with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ki-67, CD34, and nestin antibodies. The 19 ERM cases included 11 idiopathic ERM cases and 8 secondary ERM cases i.e., 2 eyes that underwent PPV for retinal detachment and 6 eyes that underwent PPV for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. HE staining showed that some of the idiopathic ERM specimens consisted of internal limiting membrane. In contrast, numerous invasive cells were observed in the secondary ERM specimens compared to the idiopathic ERM specimens. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed GFAP-positive cells in 4 of the 11 idiopathic ERMs cases, yet no nestin-, Ki-67-, or CD34-positive cells in those cases. In contrast, there were 4 GFAP-positive cases, 2 Ki67-positive cases, 3 CD34-positive cases, and 7 cases including nestin-positive cells. The findings of this study indicate that there are different histological characteristics between idiopathic and secondary ERM and that mature nestin-positive cells in the retina might be related to secondary ERM formation.
Insights
Histopathological analysis reveals distinct differences between idiopathic and secondary epiretinal membranes (ERMs). Secondary ERMs show more invasive cells, suggesting mature nestin-positive cells may contribute to their formation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Histopathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) are cellular proliferations on the retinal surface.
- Idiopathic ERMs arise spontaneously, while secondary ERMs are associated with underlying ocular conditions.
- Understanding the histological differences is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the histopathological features of idiopathic and secondary ERMs.
- To investigate the cellular composition and markers in ERM specimens.
- To identify potential differences in the pathogenesis of idiopathic versus secondary ERMs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 19 ERM specimens obtained during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).
- Histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining.
- Immunohistochemical analysis for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ki-67, CD34, and nestin.
Main Results:
- HE staining revealed internal limiting membrane in some idiopathic ERMs, but numerous invasive cells in secondary ERMs.
- Immunohistochemistry showed GFAP-positive cells in 4/11 idiopathic ERMs, with no other markers detected.
- Secondary ERMs exhibited GFAP-positive cells (4 cases), Ki-67-positive cells (2 cases), CD34-positive cells (3 cases), and nestin-positive cells (7 cases).
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic and secondary ERMs possess distinct histopathological characteristics.
- Mature nestin-positive cells in the retina may play a role in the formation of secondary ERMs.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved in ERM pathogenesis.
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