VITREORETINAL TOXICITY OF BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTOR

Basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) is one of the multifunctional g rowth factors with important therapeutic potential in the field of oph thalmology. It is also implicated in pathogenesis of vitreoretinal pro liferative diseases. In the present study, we evaluated its vitreoreti nal toxicity by means of clinical observation, electroretinography (ER G), and histopathology after injection of different doses of b-FGF int o the vitreous of rabbit eyes. Doses of b-FGF up to 2 mug per eye caus ed no toxicity; however, injection of 4 mug or more resulted in sight- threatening vitreoretinal proliferative changes. This information is i mportant for studies aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potential of b-FGF in retinal diseases. Despite some degree of vitreous organizatio n and opacification, retinal folds, and small areas of traction retina l detachment, the amplitudes of ERGs were normal or even increased (hy perpolarization) in eyes which received 8 mug of b-FGF.