Immunohistochemical Observation Of M(?)ller Cell Following Traumatic Retinal Detachment

Purpose: 1.To establish the model of traumatic retinal detachment in the rabbit and to evaluate the function and role of Muller cell in experimental retinal detachment by the method of pathology and immunohistochemistry.Method: 1. BSS injection into subretinal space via a silicon tube after scleral incision and vitreous removal was made for the model of traumatic retinal detachment in rabbits. 2. Morphological observation was carried out with light microscope and electron microscope after experimental retinal detachment at different time intervals. 3.Detection of immunoreactivity of Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein (GFAP) and Glutamine Synthetase(GS) following experimental retinal detachment using the method of immunohistochemistry.Result: 1. Under light microscope and electron microscope, an entensive loss of photoreceptors accompanied by neural retina degeneration were found. Proliferation, hypertrophy and gliosis of Muller cells could be observed. 2. GFAP was undetectable in Muller cells at 1 day after detachment. There were an aggregation of GFAP in the endfoot of Muller cells at 3 days .At 28 days after detachment, GFAP could be detected within the subretinal space, formed glial scars. 3. GS was expressed in both normal and detached retinas at different time intervals, and immuno-staining decreased with prolonged detachment.Conclusions: 1. Traumatic retinal detachment was successfully induced in the rabbit. PVR was well developed in the long-term tinal detachment. 2. After retinal detachment GFAP expression increased while GS decreased in terms of intensity and distribution. 3. Malfunction of Mtlller cells in sustainment, nutrition and modulation of neurons of retina, in the form of gliosis, may play a significant role in abnormal recovery process of detached retina.