Schraermeyer U., Semkova I., Siodlaczek J., Janicki H., 1Kochanek S., Kirchhof B.

Universitäts-Augenklinik Köln, 1Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin-Uni Köln

Background: Proliferation of choroidal endothelial cells should be inhibited by transplantation of genetically modified iris pigment epithelial cells overexpressing pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF).
Methods: IPE cells were transfected with high-capacity adenoviral vektor HC-Ad-PEDF. The transfected IPE cells were transplanted into the subretinal space. One week later the rats received 3-4 laser burns adjacent to the transplanted cells. A control group received exclusively laser burns. Ten days later the rats were anesthesized and perfused with 5mg/ml FITCDextran. Quadrants of the eyes consiting of pigment epithelium, choroid and sclera were incubated with antibodies against PEDF and CD 31. By this double labeling endothelial cells as well as expression of PEDF by the transplanted IPE cells could be detected.
Results: In transplanted eyes no dextran-leakage was observed in 72 % of the laser burns, if PEDF expressing IPE cells were localized 100 µm or closer to the laser lesions. In such lesions endothelial cell free areas were always present. Expression of PEDF by the transplants were checked with antibodies. In the controls (only laser-burns) only 10 % of the laser-burns lacked neovascularization, whereas in the other 90 % dextran-FITC was present within the laser scars. The area of these scars were completely filled with endothelial cells indicated by CD 31 labeling.
Conclusion: In this model neovascularization was detected with a functional (dextran-Leakage) and an immunological method in the same laser lesion. Choroidal neovascularization can be inhibited by transplantation of IPE cells overexpressing the antiangiogenetic protein PEDF.

Copyright © Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft, 2001. All rights reserved.

Last updated: 

Webdesign: SPALLEK.COM