Comparison of Surgically Excised Premacular Membranes in Eyes with Macular Pucker and Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

ABSTRACTPurpose: To describe and compare characteristics of premacular membranes in idiopathic macular pucker (iMP) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) using immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy.Materials and methods: For immunocytochemical and ultrastructural analyses, premacular membranes were harvested during vitrectomy from 16 eyes with iMP and 12 eyes with PVR. All specimens were processed as flat mounts for phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy. We used 19 different primary antibodies such as anti-α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), anti-integrin-αv, anti-galectin, anti-IBA-1, anti-EMMPRIN (CD147), anti-ricinus (RCS) and anti-collagen-type I. Eight of 28 eyes were also prepared for transmission electron microscopy.Results: In all eyes with iMP and PVR, positive immunoreactivity of integrins, especially αvβ3 was found. There was also a strong staining of anti-α-SMA, anti-galectin, anti-EMMPRIN, anti-RCS, anti-IBA1 and anti-collagen-type I. Transmission electron microscopy sho...