Purpose: To investigate whether activated B lymphocytes (CD23), activated T lymphocytes (CD25), macrophages (CD68) and human leucocyte antigen class II antigen (HLA-DR) were existed in epiretinal membranes (ERMs) and subretinal membranes (SRMs) of proliferative intraocular disorders (PID).
Methods: Twenty specimens of ERMs from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), traumatic PVR and secondary traction retinal detachment, and two specimens of SRMs from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with PVR and traumatic PRV were studied using immunohistochemical staining.
Results: CD68 and HLA-DR were found in all specimens, CD23 and CD25 in 4 cases of ERMs and in 1 case of SRMs, respectively.
Conclusions: 1. The ERMs and SRMs of different etiology shared a common basis of inflammation and immunopathology. 2. There would be secondary cellular and humoral immunity in the ERMs and the SRMs of PID.