TGF-β and RPE-derived cells in taut subretinal strands from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy

PURPOSE. To investigate the distribution of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and cells derived from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as a major source for TGF-beta in subretinal strands (SRSs), originating from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and proliferative diabetic vitreoretinopathy (PDVR). METHODS. Nine SRSs (PVR: n = 6 and PDVR: n = 3) were obtained during pars plana vitrectomy. Specimens were processed for immunohistochemical analysis in paraffin wax or studied by transmission electron microscopy RESULTS. Staining for TGF-beta was consistent in all specimens. The content of RPE-derived cells identified by anticytokeratin staining revealed considerable differences, ranging from < 10 to >> 90%. CONCLUSIONS. The widespread immunoreactivity for TGF-beta in SRSs suggests a significant role of this group of cytokines in the pathologic course of PVR.