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The occurrence of macrophages in the retina and periretinal tissues in ocular diseases
Abstract:
Specimens obtained from eyes with various ocular diseases were examined immunohistochemically using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (Ki-M1P, K1-M4, CD68, anti-lysozyme, and anti-cytokeratins) to establish the occurrence of macrophages in the retina and periretinal tissues and to determine whether they can be distinguished from migrated cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Eyes with proliferative diseases and intraocular melanomas were found to contain more macrophages in the retina than those with uveitis and glaucoma. The epiretinal membranes and subretinal space in eyes of the former group often exhibited additional clustered macrophages and migrated RPE cells. In all specimens studied, RPE cells reacted with antibodies KL-1, CK7, CK18, or CK19 but not with the CD68, Ki-M1P, or lysozyme antibodies. Control eyes without any known disease also contained rare macrophages in the retina. In conclusion, macrophages are regular and normal constituents of the retina that can be clearly distinguished immunohistochemically from migrated RPE cells. Their frequency varies depending on the type of ocular disease involved.
Insights
Macrophages are normal retinal cells, distinguishable from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells using immunohistochemistry. Their presence varies with ocular disease type, with higher counts in proliferative diseases and melanomas.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are immune cells found in various tissues.
- Their presence and role in the retina, particularly in disease states, require clarification.
- Distinguishing macrophages from other retinal cells, like retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), is crucial for understanding ocular pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and distribution of macrophages in the retina and periretinal tissues.
- To differentiate macrophages from migrated RPE cells using immunohistochemical markers.
- To correlate macrophage presence with specific ocular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of ocular specimens using monoclonal antibodies (Ki-M1P, K1-M4, CD68, anti-lysozyme, anti-cytokeratins).
- Examination of eyes with various ocular diseases (proliferative diseases, intraocular melanomas, uveitis, glaucoma) and control eyes.
- Comparative analysis of antibody reactivity in macrophages and RPE cells.
Main Results:
- Macrophages were found in control and diseased retinas, with increased numbers in eyes with proliferative diseases and intraocular melanomas.
- Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells showed distinct reactivity to cytokeratin antibodies (KL-1, CK7, CK18, CK19), while macrophages reacted to CD68, Ki-M1P, and lysozyme antibodies.
- Migrated RPE cells and macrophages were observed together in epiretinal membranes and subretinal spaces in certain disease conditions.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages are normal constituents of the retina and periretinal tissues.
- Immunohistochemistry effectively distinguishes macrophages from migrated RPE cells.
- The frequency of retinal macrophages is influenced by the type and severity of ocular disease.