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Apoptotic cell death in proliferative vitreoretinopathy
P Esser1, K U Bartz-Schmidt, P Walter
1Abteilung für Netzhaut- und Glaskörperchirurgie der Universität Köln, Germany. peter.esser@uni-koeln.de
German Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, was detected in epiretinal membranes from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Pharmacological induction of apoptosis may offer a new strategy for inhibiting PVR cellular proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Apoptosis is vital for tissue development and homeostasis.
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) involves abnormal cellular proliferation in the retina.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of apoptosis in epiretinal membranes from PVR patients.
- To explore the potential for inducing apoptosis in these membranes as a therapeutic strategy.
Main Methods:
- In situ DNA-end labeling (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling - TUNEL).
- Acridine orange fluorescence for identifying apoptotic nuclei.
- Induction of apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells using daunomycin.
- Quantitative analysis of DNA fragments via enzyme immunoassay.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis was observed in varying cell numbers within epiretinal membranes.
- Apoptotic nuclei showed chromatin condensation and fragmentation, appearing singly or in clusters.
- Daunomycin successfully induced apoptosis in human RPE cells.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis occurs in epiretinal membranes associated with PVR.
- Pharmacological induction of apoptosis presents a potential novel therapeutic approach for controlling PVR cellular proliferation.