Role of retinal detachment subretinal fluid on extracellular matrix metabolism

PURPOSE: To examine the in vitro effects of subretinal fluid (SRF) from patients with retinal detachment on extracellular matrix turnover. METHODS: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was explored by radiolabeled substrate degradation and zymography. Human lung fibroblasts were used to analyze SRF effects on collagen synthesis and cell proliferation. Transforming growth factor-beta(2) (TGF-beta(2)) concentration was determined in SRF samples by a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity was observed in all SRF samples. Collagenase activity was not detected in SRF from patients with holes and recurrent retinal detachment. All SRF samples stimulated fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis but SRF samples from recurrent retinal detachment patients with previous retinal tears had the largest effect with the largest TGF-beta(2) concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The gelatinolytic activity found in all SRF samples might be associated with the retinal detachment process. Low collagenase activity with an increase in collagen synthesis could indicate a risk factor to the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.