2122 Actin and actin-binding proteins in proliferative vitreoretinopathy

TITLE: HUMAN FIBROBLASTS PRODUCE AN OPTIMAL PVR EXPERIMENTAL MODEL. AUTHORS: GRACIA-MARTIN M.C., LIBERT J. AFFILIATION: Senior research fellow, Or. Gracia-Martin M.C Prof and Head of Dep., Or. Libert J. Dep. Ophthalmology St. Pierre Hosp., Brussels ABSTRACT: Purpose. Complex tractional retinal detachments show a low percentage of succesful reattachment, due to the development of oroliferative vitreoretinooathv (PVR). As stand&d experimental models are needed to tests antiproliferative drugs therapies, we developed a simple, papid and easily reproducible model. Methods. 250,000 cryopreserved human fibroblasts, usually m diagnostic virology or vaccine production (MCR-51, were injected in 40 eyes of 20 rabbits. This cell type has the advantage of making biopsies and cellular cultures unnecessary, thus being easily available to study drugs in further trials. Results. One week after the intravitreal injection, a thin mke proliferating tissue was observed. On the third week. solid membranous strands were visible, oriqinatins from.the papilla surface, and extending towards the retina and vitreous. There were no cases of infection. Histologic examinations were performed at days 3,7,15 and 28 from the injection..Light and electron microscopy showed glial cells, endothelial cells, retinal pigment epithelia: cells, fibroblasts, nacro?+ages, and scarce inflaxGory cells. This proliferation, proporticnal to the number of cells injected, resembles clearly what has been described in previous, more complicated, experimental models, and in h(rman PVR. Conclusions. The intravitreal injection of 250,000 human fibroblasts is a valid experimental model of PVR, simple and predictable, which makes it suitable for the study and development of protocolised pharmacological therapies.