PURPOSE: To investigate the expression of transforming growth factor-beta receptor II (TGF-beta R II) in periretinal membranes of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to detect the expression of TGF-beta R II protein and mRNA in sixteen proliferative membranes of thirteen PVR patients. RESULTS: Immunohistochemically staining showed that membranes labeled negative "-", weak positive "+", positive "2+" and strong positive staining "3+" were respectively noted one, one, three and four membranes in nine C2-C3 membranes. Total positive cell rate is 88.9%. Among seven D1-D3 membranes, one membrane was labeled "-", three were "+" and another three membranes were labeled "2+". Total positive cell rate is 85.7%. Positive staining cells were of a type of epithelial-like cells which frequently found pigment in or around them. Relation between TGF-beta R II expression and membrane grades appeared no correlation (P > 0.05). Results of in situ hybridization were almost consistent with that of immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: Both TGF-beta R II protein and mRNA are highly expressed and up-regulated in PVR membranes by cytokine stimulation, moreover TGF-beta may play important role in the pathogenesis of PVR.
PURPOSE: To investigate the expression of transforming growth factor-beta receptor II (TGF-beta R II) in periretinal membranes of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to detect the expression of TGF-beta R II protein and mRNA in sixteen proliferative membranes of thirteen PVR patients. RESULTS: Immunohistochemically staining showed that membranes labeled negative "-", weak positive "+", positive "2+" and strong positive staining "3+" were respectively noted one, one, three and four membranes in nine C2-C3 membranes. Total positive cell rate is 88.9%. Among seven D1-D3 membranes, one membrane was labeled "-", three were "+" and another three membranes were labeled "2+". Total positive cell rate is 85.7%. Positive staining cells were of a type of epithelial-like cells which frequently found pigment in or around them. Relation between TGF-beta R II expression and membrane grades appeared no correlation (P > 0.05). Results of in situ hybridization were almost consistent with that of immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: Both TGF-beta R II protein and mRNA are highly expressed and up-regulated in PVR membranes by cytokine stimulation, moreover TGF-beta may play important role in the pathogenesis of PVR.