title: Effects of estrogen on collagen gel contraction by human retinal glial cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are definite gender differences in patients with macular holes. Menopausal women over 50 years are most affected. We aimed to observe the effect of estrogen on collagen gel contraction by cultured human retinal glial cells. It is speculated that estrogen could strengthen the tensile stress of the macula by maintaining the correct morphology and contraction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Estrogen was used to determine its effects on collagen gel contraction, and its function was measured using morphological changes in cells. Human retinal glial cells were cultured in collagen solution. The cells were then exposed to collagen gels and the degree of contraction of the gel was determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Estrogen at differing concentrations had no effect on the growth of human retinal glial cells. However, after exposed to collagen gel block, less contraction was noted in the estrogen-treated group than in the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Estrogen can inhibit collagen gel contraction by glial cells. These results suggest a mechanism for macular hole formation, which is observed in menopausal females.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Qing-hua
authors.initials: QH
authors.lastname: Qiu
authors.forename: Zhi-yi
authors.initials: ZY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Li-li
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Yin
authors.forename: Zhi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Xing-wei
authors.initials: XW
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D003094:Collagen