The relationship between gap-junctional intercellular communication and the proliferative activity of retinal pigment epithelial cells.

PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between gap-junction mediated intercellular communication and the proliferative activity of retinal pigment epithelial cells in the retinal tear base. METHODS Retinal tears were created experimentally in white rabbits, and the changes of intercellular communication via gap junctions between retinal pigment epithelial cells in the retinal tear base were investigated using the dye-coupling method, which involves observing the spread of a fluorescent dye, Lucifer Yellow CH. In addition, the proliferative activity of these cells was investigated using an antibody for proliferating cell nuclear antigen and was compared with the changes in intercellular communication. RESULTS Immediately after the creation of retinal tears, extensive spreading of Lucifer Yellow CH into adjacent cells was observed, which was markedly reduced 1 week later. After 1 month, the spreading of dye to adjacent cells was observed again. On the other hand, proliferative activity was enhanced at 1 week after retinal tear creation and was reduced again after 1 month. CONCLUSIONS It is known that tumor cells with enhanced proliferative activity show decreased intercellular communication via gap junctions. The present study suggests a possible relationship between intercellular communication and the proliferative activity of retinal pigment epithelial cells in the base of retinal tears.