Long-term Effect of Plasmin on the Vitreolysis in Rabbit Eyes.
- Author:
Nam Ju KIM
1
;
Hyeong Gon YU
;
Young Suk YU
;
Hum CHUNG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords: internal limiting membrane; plasmin; posterior vitreous detachment
- MeSH: Animals; Electroretinography; Fibrinolysis/*drug effects; Fibrinolytic Agents/*pharmacology; Injections; Plasmin/*pharmacology; Rabbits; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Retina/drug effects/physiology; Vitreous Body/*drug effects; Vitreous Detachment/*chemically induced/pathology
- From:Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2004;18(1):35-40
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: The aim was to investigate the proteolytic activity of plasmin and its long-term complications. Plasmin was injected into the vitreous cavity of rabbits' eyes. Slit lamp biomicroscopy and electroretinography were performed. Rabbits were serially sacrificed at four months, and globes fixated and prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy. In both the plasmin-injected and control eyes, electroretinography showed a transient decrease in the amplitude, but this recovered to the baseline level in a week. Under the light microscope, the plasmin-treated eyes had a smooth retinal surface, implying separation of the vitreous cortex from the retina. In the control eyes, the collagen fibers remained on the retinal surface. By transmission electron microscopy, the plasmin-treated eyes showed a vitreous-free retinal surface, but no vitreoretinal separation was observed in the control eyes. Plasmin induces a cleavage between the vitreous and the internal limiting membrane, with no long-term complications, so may be a useful pharmacologic adjunct to vitrectomy.
