Basic fibroblast growth factor mRNA, bFGF peptide and FGF receptor in epiretinal membranes of intraocular proliferative disorders (PVR and PDR)

Authors: Hueber A.¹; Wiedemann P.²; Esser P.¹; Heimann K.¹

Source: International Ophthalmology, Volume 20, Number 6, 1996 , pp. 345-350(6)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been shown to be involved in epiretinal membrane formation in proliferative vitreoretinal disorders. However, up to now, little knowledge exists, as to the actual cellular source of this potent mitogen. We examined 20 epiretinal membranes from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (n = 12) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (n = 8) for the presence of bFGF peptide, fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) and bFGF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). Using a specific antibody, we detected bFGF peptide in most (8/10) examined PDR membranes and in all (8/8) PVR membranes. Moreover, we found positive staining for the corresponding receptor. Local production of bFGF in epiretinal membranes was confirmed by nonisotopic in situ hybridisation for bFGF mRNA in some (4/7) examined PDR membranes and some (3/4) examined PVR membranes. All membranes which contained bFGF mRNA were also positive for bFGF peptide. In conclusion, bFGF is produced and stored in epiretinal membranes. Together with the corresponding receptor, bFGF may play a role in the auto- and paracrine control of the proliferative processes at the vitroretinal interface.

Keywords: basic fibroblast growth factor; diabetic retinopathy; fibroblast growth factor receptors; in situ; hybridisation; proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, University Eye Hospital Cologne, D-50924 Cologne, Germany 2: University Eye Hospital Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany

Publication date: 1996-01-01