Evaluat the muller cells' role in retinal neovascularization

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the muller cells' role in retinal neovascularization. Methods A total of 239 (478eyes)patients with NPDR, pre-PDR and PDR in the early stage were carried on BF-ERG, local electroretinogram and 12, 32, 40Hz flickerERG examination and fiber exponent: BF-ERG b-wave amplitude value/12Hz flicker ERG width value were calculated in addition, 37 patient with pre-PDR were carried on dynamic state electricity physiology observation for 1-1.5 years in 2-4 months intervals. Results IN propagate NPDR 32, 40Hz ficker ERG b-wave width value were at normal low limit, BF-ERG a-wave width value was lower in the degree, equaled to (54±9.6)μ v, b-wave width value was normal, 12Hz flicker ERG width value was significantly lower which was (25.8±9.4) μ v and fiber exponent equivalent to 9.3±1.4; while in pre-PDR all of retinal response were all in medium degree descend, BF-ERG b-wave width value was (179±19) μ v, 12Hz BF-ERG width value was equivalent to (13.0±6.4) μ v, fiber exponent was 10-16 units in average of 13.8±1.3, which improved significantly (p<0.001). In the early stage of PDR, BF-ERG a-wave and 32. 40Hz width value was kept on decrease obviously, equaled to (30.0±12.2) μ v, (8.8±2.7) μ v and (4.0±2.1)μ v, fiber exponent was equal to13.5±2.2, which was improved obviously (p<0.001). Dynamic observation indicated that the original higher value of fiber exponent suddenly descend showed greater possibility of the recent retinal neovascularization. Conclusions Higher fiber exponent are the common characteristics of retinal neovascularization and indicate the increases of muller cell's metabolic activity compensatory. That confirm muller cells play an important role in trigging of retinal NV. Key words: Muller Cells; Retinal neovascularization