Pharmacologic induction of posterior vitreous detachment in the rabbit.

OBJECTIVE

To assay the proteolytic activity of plasmin on the vitreoretinal junction and to assess a potential facilitating effect on posterior vitreous detachment.

METHODS

We injected 1 U of plasmin into the vitreous of rabbits. Some eyes underwent vitrectomy after plasmin injection. Electroretinography and electron microscopy were performed.

RESULTS

In plasmin-treated eyes, electroretinography displayed a transient (3 days) decreased b-wave amplitude. Histologic examination demonstrated posterior vitreous detachment in eyes that received intravitreal plasmin followed by vitrectomy.

CONCLUSION

Plasmin may prove to be a useful biochemical adjunct to mechanical vitrectomy.