Migration and proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium on extracellular matrix ligands, pg. 713

Our goal is to develop a surgical treatment that will improve vision for patients with agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the most common cause of blindness among people over age 55 in the United States (including veterans). In most AMD patients with severe visual loss, abnormal blood vessels grow under the central retina (the area that provides high resolution vision) and cause bleeding, scarring, and blindness. If surgical excision of the abnormal vessels can be combined with resurfacing of the dissection area by the patient's own retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), then vision might be restored postoperatively. We studied the ability of young versus old RPE cells to grow in cell culture on surfaces that contain proteins believed to foster RPE migration and proliferation. We found that old as well as young RPE cells can grow in cell culture on surfaces that contain appropriate extracellular matrix ligands. These results will guide us in developing techniques to provide sight-restoring treatment for patients with exudative AMD.

Status of the feline retina 5 years after subretinal implantation, pg. 723

The long-term biocompatibility and durability of retinal prosthetics are essential components of a viable clinical device. In this study, we report results obtained 5 years following implantation of normal adult cats with a subretinal microphotodiode array. All implants functioned throughout the study period. Small changes in retinal function and morphology were noted that could be attributed to surgical manipulation or the presence of a solid device in the subretinal space. No indications of rejection of the prosthesis existed. Clinical trials to determine whether visual improvements exist in patients implanted with subretinal devices of similar design are in progress, while animal studies address the mechanisms that m
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Contact: Dore Mobley
dore@vard.org
410-962-1800 x229
Journal of Rehabilitation Research
11-Jan-2007