HGF regulation of RPE proliferation in an IL-1beta/retinal hole-induced rabbit model of PVR.

Purpose: To understand molecular events that lead to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell proliferation and migration during the early phases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in a rabbit model.

Methods: Retinal holes were created and interleukin-1beta(IL-1beta) was injected intravitreally. Eyes were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy and eyecup pieces containing retinal holes were analyzed at different times after the surgery up to 4 weeks.