CELL-PROLIFERATION IN RESPONSE TO VITREOUS HEMOGLOBIN

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 20  (5) , 575-581
Abstract
Rabbits were examined at intervals to 90 days after receiving 2 or 3 intravitreal injections, on consecutive days, of homologous Hb or saline. Cell proliferation in the vitreous was assessed by scintillation counting and radioautography after intravitreal administration of 3H-thymidine 4 h prior to sacrifice. Two populations of vitreous cells phagocytize the vitreous Hb and are stimulated to DNA synthesis. Cells that migrate into the vitreous in response to Hb also contribute to total 3H-thymidine uptake. Tritiated thymidine incorporation peaks between 5-10 days and again between 22-30 days after the 1st administration of Hb. By 45-60 days after 2 injections and 90 days after 3 injections the vitreous cell proliferative activity returned to normal. Apparently, a bleeding event which leads to the release of Hb in the vitreous stimulates a minor, transient vitreous cell proliferation and a more significant, but also transient, migration of cells into the vitreous. Aside from contributing by phagocytosis to vitreal clearing, no other functions have been ascribed to these cells.

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