Simulation of massive periretinal proliferation by autotransplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells in rabbits.

We compared the clinical pattern, the histologic findings, and the electron microscopic appearance of lesions produced by the autotransplantation into rabbit vitreous of freshly harvested and tissue-cultured (250,000) retinal pigment epithelial cells. Both harvested and cultured cells formed intravitreal strands, traction detachments, and retinal puckers, resembling the most prominent features of massive periretinal proliferation in humans. Strands produced by both types of retinal pigment epithelial cells contained cells resembling myofibroblasts which may explain the contractability of the strand. The clinical, histologic, and electron microscopic observations were similar to those found in eyes injected with tissue-cultured skin fibroblasts.