Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor family. Previous studies indicated the implication of GDNF in glial development. We have reported that expression levels of GDNF receptor family α–component were significantly higher in the epiretinal membrane of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Theses studies suggest a possibility that GDNF receptors may be involved in the formation of PDR epiretinal membrane. Here, we attempted to determine whether intravitreous GDNF levels are elevated in PDR. Methods: We assayed GDNF levels in vitreous samples from 39 consecutive patients with PDR (22 eyes) and macular hole (controls, 17 eyes) that underwent pars plana vitrectomy. Undiluted vitreous samples were collected during the vitrectomy before intraocular infusion. The vitreous samples were centrifuged, and the supernatants were stored at –80°C until the assay was performed. Vitreous GDNF concentrations were measured using an enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Vitreous GDNF levels were 136.3±216.5 pg/ml (mean±SD) in PDR and 8.0±17.1 pg/ml in the controls. GDNF levels were significantly higher in PDR than in the controls (P=0.011531). Conclusions: This result indicates increased intravitreous GDNF levels in PDR eyes, suggesting that GDNF may play a role in the pathogenesis of PDR. CR: None
Keywords: vitreous • cytokines/chemokines • diabetic retinopathy