Expression of proteins associated with cell-matrix adhesion in proliferative vitreoretinopathy designed by Dispase model.
OBJECTIVE
During recent years, the interaction of cell surface molecule, extracellular matrix proteins, and cytoskeletal elements has been a topic for research for the purpose of understanding the mechanisms of pathologic conditions. This study aims to evaluate the expression of CD44, as a cell surface adhesion molecule; fibronectin (FN), as an extracellular and a cell surface protein; vinculin and actin/á-smooth muscle actin (alfa-SMA), as cytoskeletal elements; and the interactions of these proteins in the microenvironment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).


METHODS
This experimental study was designed by the intravitreal Dispase model in rabbits and proteins' expression were evaluated via immunohistochemical staining.


RESULTS
As a cell surface protein, CD44 expression was determined in only four eyes focally and weakly, but in a small number of cells. Among the cytoskeletal proteins, vinculin expression was the most extensive and the strongest in intensity in epi- and subretinal membranes. Alpha-SMA expression was mostly present within small foci of cells. Fibronectin expression was determined in some of the eyes only faintly.


CONCLUSIONS
Vinculin seems to be involved in PVR pathogenesis. Variability in co-distribution of the expression of vinculin, FN, and alfa-SMA reflects the dynamic interactions evolving between cell and extracellular matrix during the epi- and subretinal membrane formations. The results of this study were determined not to be in support of the assumption that CD44 has a functional role in the pathogenesis of PVR.
Isiksoy
S
S
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey.
Basmak
H
H
Kasapoglu Dundar
E
E
Ozer
A
A
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000633:toxicity; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism; D016596:Vinculin / Q000378:metabolism*; D018630:Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism*; D014822:Vitreous Body
D000199:Actins; D005353:Fibronectins; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D016596:Vinculin; D010450:Endopeptidases; C023139:dispase