Experimental Fibroplasia in the rabbit vitreous. Retinal detachment induced by autologous fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts were cultured from autologous dermal connective tissue of albino rabbits and implanted (1 X 10(6)-3 X 10(6) cells) into the vitreous space of 18 rabbit eyes under sterile surgical conditions. In 13 eyes a distinct growth of the cells occurred, and vitreous strands were formed. In 9 eyes a retinal detachment followed, and in some it was associated with traction of optic nerve tissue into the vitreous. The proliferating fibroblasts produced collagen fibrils showing a band period of 45-55 nm. Intravitreal collagen formation is considered to be a pathologic phenomenon capable of inducing the development of vitreous retraction and retinal detachment.