Epinephrine, but not dexamethasone, induces apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelium cells in vitro Possible implications on the pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy

von Humboldt Foundation, Bonn, Germany. ABSTRACT Objective The pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy is poorly understood. It is believed to be due to dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium and/or choroid, and has been associated with elevated levels of epinephrine and administration of corticosteroids. Epinephrine and corticosteroids have previously been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various types of cells. It has also been shown that experimentally-induced central serous chorioretinopathy is associated with degeneration of the underlying retinal pigment epithelium. The objective of this study is to investigate whether epinephrine and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, can induce apoptosis in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium cells. This may help elucidate the pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy.