Collagen Synthesis by RPE Cells Associated with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Collagen, which is newly synthesized by the cellular component, is the major component of extracellular matrix in PVR membranes. The effects of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β in the synthesis of collagen were evaluated. Tissue culture of PVR membrane was incubated for 19 hours with or without TGF-β in the absence of serum. Newly synthesized collagen in the membrane were measured by a collagenase-digestion assay. The biosynthetically labeled collagens were analyzed on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electro-phoresis. Collagen synthesis was dose-dependently stimulated by TGFβ. At a concentration of 1ng/㎖ of TGFβ1or TGFβ2,at a concentration of 10ng/㎖, induced a 90-125% increase in collagen synthesis over that of controls. PVR membranes in culture synthesized predominantly type I, III and V collagen. In conclusion TGFβ are potent stimulants of collagen.ope