Vitreoretinal toxicity of basic fibroblast growth factor

Basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) is one of the multifunctional growth factors with important therapeutic potential in the field of ophthalmology. It is also implicated in pathogenesis of vitreoretinal proliferative diseases. In the present study, we evaluated its vitreoretinal toxicity by means of clinical observation, electroretinography (ERG), and histopathology after injection of different doses of b-FGF into the vitreous of rabbit eyes. Doses of b-FGF up to 2 micrograms per eye caused no toxicity; however, injection of 4 micrograms or more resulted in sight-threatening vitreoretinal proliferative changes. This information is important for studies aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potential of b-FGF in retinal diseases. Despite some degree of vitreous organization and opacification, retinal folds, and small areas of traction retinal detachment, the amplitudes of ERGs were normal or even increased (hyperpolarization) in eyes which received 8 micrograms of b-FGF.