Histological and Immunohistochemical Study of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

Abstract

We used electron microscopy and light-microscopic immunohistochemistry of cellular and extracellular markers to characterize the cellular and extracellular components of 15 surgically resected idiopathic epiretinal membranes (IEMs). Ten specimens from the eyes with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) consisted of inner limiting membrane, collagen layer and a flattened cell layer. Six out of the 10 specimens were also examined immunohistochemically, and fibronectin and type I, II, III and IV collagens were identified in a characteristic lamellar construct in the IEMs. On the other hand, 5 specimens obtained from the eyes without PVD consisted mainly of a thick layer of collagen fibrils with or without a flattened cell layer. Two of the 5 specimens were also examined immunohistochemically, and the collagen fibrils in the specimens were identified as type II collagen. Glial cells (glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive cells) were also identified in 3 specimens. These results indicate that there are some variations in the IEMs.

Hyperconvolution of the inner limiting membrane in vitreomaculopathies

“…This is in keeping with other groups who have also identified basement membrane as a constituent part of these specimens [1,[13][14][15][16], although the rate at which basement membrane is identified varies from 37% [16] to an unspecified majority [15]. Interestingly, Sivalingam et al [16] reported a poorer outcome in cases where ILM had been removed during surgery, findings which are contrary to the current series, where successful removal of the ILM was associated with good results.…”

A clinicopathologic case report on macular hole associated with von Hippel–Lindau disease: a novel ultrastructural finding of wormlike, wavy tangles of filaments

“…Under the electron microscope, two to three layers of flattened glial cells alternated with fibrous matrix similar to findings in membranes excised from other ophthalmologic patients (Fig. 3A,B) [3,12]. The ERM consisted of a fibrocellular array with flattened cells at the surface showing short microvillous cytoplasmic protrusions.…”

Evolution of Vitreomacular Detachment in Healthy Subjects

“…17 A histologic study of surgically obtained epiretinal membranes showed that a type 2 collagen layer was the major component of the epiretinal membrane. 18 Those biomicroscopic and histologic findings suggested that the remnant of the posterior wall of the PPVP may be the source of the idiopathic premacular fibrosis. Using SD-OCT, Johnson 12 showed that a defect in the detached premacular hyaloid membrane corresponded to the epiretinal membrane.…”