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Characterization of membranes removed during open-sky vitrectomy
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Vitrectomy membranes differ structurally. Newly formed membranes are primarily fibrin, while longstanding ones are collagenous, suggesting strategies to inhibit fibrin formation during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Membranes form during vitrectomy surgery.
- Understanding membrane composition is crucial for surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and differentiate longstanding and newly formed membranes removed during open-sky vitrectomy.
- To elucidate the biochemical composition of these membranes.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy
- Immunological assays (anti-human fibrinogen)
- Enzymatic digestion (collagenase, plasmin, pepsin)
- Amino acid analysis
- Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)
Main Results:
- Longstanding membranes showed collagen characteristics (hydroxyproline, collagenase digestion, collagen fibrils).
- Newly formed membranes were rich in fibrinogen, digested by plasmin, and showed fibrin-like bands on electrophoresis.
- Newly formed membranes lacked hydroxyproline and contained minimal hydroxylysine.
Conclusions:
- Two distinct membrane types exist: collagenous (longstanding) and fibrin-based (newly formed).
- Newly formed membranes are likely composed of fibrin.
- Inhibiting fibrin formation during vitrectomy may prevent the development of these secondary membranes.