Localization and quantitation of blood-retinal barrier breakdown in experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy
N. Ando, H. A. Sen, B. A. Berkowitz, C. A. Wilson and E. de Juan Jr
Duke University Eye Center, Durham, NC.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the contribution of the breakdown of the
blood-retinal barrier (BRB) as measured with magnetic resonance imaging in
the development of retinal detachment in an experimental model of
proliferative vitreoretinopathy. METHODS: Contrast-enhanced magnetic
resonance imaging was used to evaluate BRB breakdown in an intravitreal
cell-injection model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Intravitreal
injection of 2.5 x 10(5) homologous dermal fibroblasts produced specific
disruption of the inner, or vascular, BRB. RESULTS: Breakdown of the BRB
was greatest in the first 3 days after injection, confirming previous work
using fluorescein-based methods. Injection of 1 mg of intravitreal
triamcinolone acetonide at the time of cell injection significantly reduced
both BRB breakdown and the incidence of eventual traction retinal
detachment. Eyes that did develop detachment had significantly greater
leakage prior to its development than those that did not, regardless of
steroid treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitation and definitive localization of
BRB leakage with magnetic resonance imaging provides a better understanding
of the relationship between BRB compromise and the development of retinal
detachment in this frequently used model.
