SUMMARY
Cell to extracellular matrix interaction is the main event in cellular differentiation and tissue development. By immunoelectron microscopy and fluorescence immunocytochemistry, we have identified the integrin-related receptor membrane complex, laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN) in epiretinal membranes (ERM) from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) after retinal detachment and in fibrovascular membranes from proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The results showed β1-receptor complex in a pericellular pattern joined with cell membrane in ERM. LN and FN were found in extracellular matrix correlated with this integrin. Receptor seems to be more frequently observed in ERM just up to two months evolution than others with more time evolution. Moreover we have also detected the integrin receptor in vessels of diabetic fibrovascular membranes. These data provide more accurate physiopathological knowledge about cell-matrix interaction mechanisms in proliferative intraocular process.
Key words:
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy; proliferative diabetic retinopathy; integrins; extracellular matrix; immunocytochemistry; retinal detachment; proliferative intraocular disease