Cell proliferation after laser photocoagulation in primate retina. An autoradiographic study
W. E. Smiddy, S. L. Fine, H. A. Quigley, G. Dunkelberger, R. M. Hohman and E. M. Addicks
Argon blue-green laser and krypton red laser (KRL) photocoagulation were
applied to primate retinas at intervals ranging from two to 23 days before
the animals were killed. An injection of tritiated thymidine was given
intravitreally three days before death. Argon blue-green laser
photocoagulation induced cell proliferation in the retina and retinal
pigment epithelium seven days after treatment, with quiescence at 23 days.
Krypton red laser photocoagulation induced similar cell proliferation not
only in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium but also around choroidal
vessels and in the stroma of the choroid. Peak thymidine uptake occurred
seven days after KRL treatment. There was less uptake at two and 11 days
and no uptake at 23 days. Thymidine uptake in the retina and choroid also
was detected with low levels of KRL treatment. True cell hyperplasia (cell
division) occurred after laser treatment; only KRL treatment induced
cellular reaction in the choroid.