Abstract
Purpose :
Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) is an established treatment for severe ocular surface diseases, and AMT for refractory macular hole has recently been reported to be useful in closing the hole and improving visual function. However, how the amniotic membrane contributes to the closure of the macular hole has not been elucidated. In this study, we created a rabbit retinal hole model and examined the effects of AMT.
Methods :
Vitrectomy was performed on an eye of a Japanese white rabbit (3.0 kg) using the 25G system, and two retinal holes of approximately 2 mm diameter were created in each eye (n=3). One of the holes was untreated (untreated group) and a 2 mm diameter amniotic membrane was transplanted into the other hole (AMT group). OCT examination was performed at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after the operation postoperatively to examine changes in the closure rate of the retinal hole, and histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed 4 weeks after the operation.
Results :
Retinal holes of similar diameters could be created in all locations Postoperative inflammation was minimal in all cases, and OCT examination confirmed adhesion of amniotic membrane to the bottom of the hole in all cases in the AMT group. Closure of the hole was 0% in the untreated group and 100% in the AMT group. Histological examination showed migration of retinal cells on the amnion in AMT group. Immunohistochemical examination showed that cells on the amnion were expressed with anti-GS-6 and anti-GFAP antibodies, suggesting migration of Müller cells.
Conclusions :
We have successfully created a rabbit retinal hole model and perform AMT steadily. AMT played an important role in the closure of the retinal hole and was suggested to promote the migration of Müller cells.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.