Effect of Triamcinolone Acetonide on Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy and Hepatocyte Growth Factor in a Rabbit Model

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the intravitreal level change of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in a rabbit model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and the effect of triamcinolone on PVR and intravitreal HGF concentration. METHODS: Experimental PVR was induced in 21 New Zealand white rabbits by performing a scleral laceration, followed by repair and intravitreal injection of 0.1 ml of autologous blood. Seven eyes (group A) were injected with a high -dose of triamcinolone (5 mg), 7 eyes (group B) with a low -dose of triamcinolone (1 mg), and 7 control eyes (group C) with only balanced salts solution (BSS), respectively. Intravitreal HGF levels were measured by ELISA test taken at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after PVR induction. PVR grade was determined by serial indirect ophthalmoscopic examination at different time points mentioned. RESULTS: Elevated HGF levels were found in the vitreous peaking at 7 days after PVR -inducton in all 3 groups. The differences in HGF levels of treated groups A and B, and the control group C were statistically significant (p<0.001). The differences of PVR grades among the 3 groups were not statistically significant. However, gross and microscopic examinations of the control group C showed that proliferations and morphologic changes of retinal pigment epithelial cells were more prominent than in the treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: The intravitreal level of HGF varied with time in the rabbit PVR model. Also, our results suggest that intravitreal triamcinolone suppresses the expression of intravitreal HGF in the rabbit PVR model.