Retinal Pigment Epithelial Wound Healing In Vivo

MHC expression in fragment and full-thickness allogeneic embryonic retinal transplants

“…Factors that contribute to the RPE damage include forceful injection, directing the stream towards the RPE layer, and using fluids with low viscosity. When a saline solution is used, the resulting RPE wound heals rapidly by migration and hyperplasia of adjacent RPE cells [19], which also occurs if the overlying neuroretina is not present [26]. In our fragment transplants, large RPE defects were present 49 days postoperatively, indicating that the presence of fragmented donor tissue in the subretinal space delays RPE wound healing.…”

Pigment Epithelium Endoscopic Laser Surgery for Treatment of Choroidal Neovascularization

“…In experimentally induced RPE defects, the pigment became pleomorphic about 1 month later when repigmentation occurred [28, 29]. …”

Retinal pigment epithelial autotransplantation: morphological changes in retina and choroid

“…In the type 2 wounds adhesions developed between the degenerating retinal layers, with atrophic RPE and Bruch's membrane due to metaplastic RPE, and resulted in loss of photoreceptors and choriocapillaris atrophy. Retinal pigment epithelium was multilayered and metaplastic, resulting in formation of irregular collagen and acinar formation [27]. The findings in scars secondary to subretinal neovascularization in AMD were similar [26,37].…”

“…We believe that allowing RPE to settle down more quickly was a key factor in the rapid healing of RPE, resulting in prevention of retinal photoreceptor degeneration and/or choriocapillaris atrophy. Retinal pigment epithelial healing can also occur by other mechanisms, such as sliding and mitosis, as shown in the past [14,27,30]. However, if RPE healing occurs only by sliding or mitosis, the healing of RPE in type 2 wound should have been similar to type 1 wounds.…”