Expression and possible roles of activin A in proliferative vitreoretinal diseases

• Published in: Japanese journal of ophthalmology Vol. 44; no. 3; p. 221
• Main Authors: Yamamoto, T, Takeuchi, S, Suzuki, K, Yamashita, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan 01.05.2000
• Subjects: Activin Receptors; Activins; Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Cell Differentiation - physiology; Diabetic Retinopathy - metabolism; Diabetic Retinopathy - pathology; Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism; Endothelium, Vascular - pathology; Epiretinal Membrane - metabolism; Epiretinal Membrane - pathology; Female; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Fibroblasts - pathology; Humans; Inhibins - biosynthesis; Male; Middle Aged; Neovascularization, Physiologic - physiology; Receptors, Growth Factor - metabolism; Retinal Perforations - metabolism; Retinal Perforations - pathology; Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative - metabolism; Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative - pathology; Vitreous Body - metabolism
• DOI: 10.1016/S0021-5155(99)00216-6
• ISSN: 0021-5155

To examine the expression of activin A in eyes and to determine the possible functions of activin A in proliferative vitreoretinal diseases. The activin A concentration in vitreous specimens obtained from eyes with or without retinal ischemia was measured by a bioassay using erythroid differentiation factor effects of activin A. The expression of activin A and activin receptors in the preretinal membranes was observed by immunohistochemical analysis. The mean concentration of activin A in the eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy was 1. 50 +/- 1.27 ng/mL (mean +/- SD; n = 10), and that in the nondiabetic eyes without retinal ischemia (macular hole and epiretinal membrane) was 0.90 +/- 0.55 ng/mL (n = 5). Neither difference was significant. Activin A and its receptors were detected in the vascular endothelial cells, fibroblast-like cells and round-shaped macrophage-like cells in preretinal proliferative membranes by immunohistochemical analysis. Activin A is involved in the proliferative membrane formation in both ischemic and nonischemic vitreoretinal proliferative diseases. Activin A, a member of TGF-beta superfamily, regulates angiogenesis and tissue fibrosis in the wound healing process.