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The effect of high-dose methylprednisolone on laser-induced retinal injury in primates: an electron microscopic study

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Abstract

• Background: Previously we reported an ameliorative effect of high-dose methylprednisolone in laser injury to monkey retinas. The ultrastructural modification by methylprednisolone has not been examined. • Methods: Cynomolgus monkeys were given severe kgrade III) retinal laser burns and treated with an intravenous megadose of methylprednisolone. Pathologic features of the retinal lesions with or without methylprednisolone treatment were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. • Results: Ultrastructurally, the treated lesions showed rapid recanalization of choriocapillaris; proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium to replace the necrotic and damaged cells, resulting in rapid re-establishment of blood retinal barrier; mild macrophagic activity; and rapid reformation of the outer limiting membrane by Mueller cells. • Conclusion: A high dose of methylprednisolone affected the responses of the choriocapillaris, retinal pigment epithelium, photoreceptor cells and Mueller cells to laser injury, showing an overall beneficial effect. These modifications might be ascribed to methylprednisclone's anti-inflammatory action, protection of the microcirculation and anti-lipid peroxidation effect. Proprietary interest: none

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Georgiana Dvorak Theobald Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Kanji Takahashi, Tim T. Lam, Jun Fu & Mark O. M. Tso

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan

    Kanji Takahashi

  3. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 147K Argyle Street 3/F, Hong Kong, China

    Tim T. Lam & Mark O. M. Tso

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  1. Kanji Takahashi
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  2. Tim T. Lam
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  3. Jun Fu
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  4. Mark O. M. Tso
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Takahashi, K., Lam, T.T., Fu, J. et al. The effect of high-dose methylprednisolone on laser-induced retinal injury in primates: an electron microscopic study. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 235, 723–732 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01880672

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01880672

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