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Basic fibroblast growth factor mRNA, bFGF peptide and FGF receptor in epiretinal membranes of intraocular
A Hueber1, P Wiedemann, P Esser
1Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, University Eye Hospital Cologne, Germany. Arno.Hueber@uni-koeln.de
Abstract:
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been shown to be involved in epiretinal membrane formation in proliferative vitreoretinal disorders. However, up to now, little knowledge exists; as to the actual cellular source of this potent mitogen. We examined 20 epiretinal membranes from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (n = 12) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (n = 8) for the presence of bFGF peptide, fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) and bFGF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). Using a specific antibody, we detected bFGF peptide in most (8/10) examined PDR membranes and in all (8/8) PVR membranes. Moreover, we found positive staining for the corresponding receptor. Local production of bFGF in epiretinal membranes was confirmed by nonisotopic in situ hybridisation for bFGF mRNA in some (4/7) examined PDR membranes and some (3/4) examined PVR membranes. All membranes which contained bFGF mRNA were also positive for bFGF peptide. In conclusion, bFGF is produced and stored in epiretinal membranes. Together with the corresponding receptor, bFGF may play a role in the auto- and paracrine control of the proliferative processes at the vitreoretinal interface.
Insights
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is produced within epiretinal membranes, contributing to proliferative vitreoretinal disorders. This finding suggests bFGF plays a role in the self- and cell-to-cell signaling driving these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is implicated in epiretinal membrane formation.
- The cellular origin of bFGF in proliferative vitreoretinal disorders remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular source of bFGF in epiretinal membranes.
- To determine the presence of bFGF peptide, its receptor (FGFR-1), and mRNA in epiretinal membranes from PDR and PVR patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 20 epiretinal membranes (12 PDR, 8 PVR).
- Immunohistochemistry for bFGF peptide and FGFR-1.
- Nonisotopic in situ hybridization for bFGF mRNA.
Main Results:
- bFGF peptide detected in 8/10 PDR and all 8/8 PVR membranes.
- FGFR-1 staining was positive in examined membranes.
- bFGF mRNA detected in 4/7 PDR and 3/4 PVR membranes, correlating with bFGF peptide presence.
Conclusions:
- Epiretinal membranes are a source of bFGF production and storage.
- Co-localization of bFGF and FGFR-1 suggests autocrine/paracrine roles in proliferative vitreoretinal diseases.