Abstract
Purpose: :
Tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF–α) is one of the major inflammatory cytokines which is supposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of various vitreoretinal diseases. We investigated the effect of TNF–α and Dexamethasone on the functional property of cultured hyalocytes.
Methods: :
The hyalocytes were isolated from bovine vitreous as we previously reported. TNF–α–dependent proliferative activity of the hyalocytes was analyzed by detecting the phosphorylation status of p44/p42 MAPK, [3H]–thymidine uptake assay and cell counting. Boyden chamber assay was performed to evaluate the migration activity of the cells. An in vitro type I collagen gel contraction assay was also performed. Furthermore, we examined the effects of dexamethasone on the functional property of hyalocytes in the presence of TNF–α.
Results: :
The hyalocytes were isolated from bovine vitreous as we previously reported. TNF–α–dependent proliferative activity of the hyalocytes was analyzed by detecting the phosphorylation status of p44/p42 MAPK, [3H]–thymidine uptake assay and cell counting. Boyden chamber assay was performed to evaluate the migration activity of the cells. An in vitro type I collagen gel contraction assay was also performed. Furthermore, we examined the effects of dexamethasone on the functional property of hyalocytes in the presence of TNF–α.
Conclusions: :
TNF–α might be involved in the pathogenesis of vitreoretinal diseases by inducing proliferative membrane formation by hyalocytes at least in part. Dexamethasone seems to be beneficial for inhibiting membrane formation but might be harmful for cicatrical contraction of the membranous tissue.
Keywords: proliferative vitreoretinopathy • vitreous