Cell proliferation at the vitreoretinal interface in proliferative vitreoretinopathy and related disorders

Abstract

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) refers to the proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells, hyalocytes, and glial cells at the vitreous and on the retinal surface in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Seen in 5–10 % of all cases of RRD [1] and found in 75 % of all recurrent retinal detachment cases [2], PVR is the most common reason for failure of retinal reattachment surgery. PVR results from the dispersion, migration, and proliferation of cells into the vitreous as well as the outer and inner surface of the retina. The cell types involved in the process of PVR formation include retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, hyalocytes, and glial cells [3]. Cytokines such as fibronectin and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) have also been implicated in the process of PVR formation [4]. These cells and cytokines lead to membrane formation and contraction of the vitreous and retina resulting in recurrent retinal detachment [4].