Origin of simple glial epiretinal membranes in an animal model.

Severe vitreous hemorrhage was simulated by the injection of 0.2 ml fresh uncoagulated autologous blood into the vitreous cavity of eight rabbits. Four weeks later, hemoglobin released from lysis of the original intravitreal clot had formed a thick layer on the retina. At this stage, many macrophages were conspicuous on the retinal surface and, in addition, in seven of the eight eyes, small cellular membranes were found by scanning electron microscopy. Light and transmission electron microscopy showed these membranes to be derived from accessory glial cells and their progeny. The membranes resembled the simple epiretinal membranes that occur in human eyes.