Epiretinal membrane formation. Light and electron microscopic study in an experimental rabbit model
T. Kono, T. Kohno and H. Inomata
Department of Ophthalmology, Fukuoka University, Chikushi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.
OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of retinal glial cells in epiretinal
membrane formation. METHODS: We injected autologous whole blood into the
vitreous cavity of albino rabbits and studied the events in the
vitreoretinal interface at intervals during the course of 1 year by light
and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Epiretinal membranes were first found 2
weeks after the treatment. At this stage, epiretinal membranes were
composed of both glial cells and macrophages. Mitotic figures of glial
cells were found in the retina. The nuclei of glial cells migrated, passing
through the inner limiting membrane and onto the retinal surface. At 6
months, macrophages and red blood cells disappeared from the epiretinal
membranes. The epiretinal membranes became thicker with time. Finally,
these epiretinal membranes were composed solely of glial cells.
CONCLUSIONS: At the early stage, macrophages participate with glial cells
in epiretinal membrane formation; however, glial cells are the main
constituent of epiretinal membranes during the late stage.
