In vitro biomechanical modulation-retinal detachment in a box

To illustrate the importance of biomechanical impact on tissue health within the central nervous system (CNS), we herein describe an in vitro model of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in which disruption and restoration of physical tissue support can be studied in isolation. Adult retinal porcine explants were kept in culture for 3 or 12 hours without any tissue support, simulating clinical RRD, after which they were either maintained in this state or reattached to the culture membrane for an additional 48 hours. In vitro detachment resulted in gliosis and severe progressive loss of retinal neurons. In contrast, if the explant was reattached, gliosis and overall cell death was attenuated, ganglion cell death was arrested, and the number of transducin-expressing cone photoreceptors increased. These results support the hypothesis that removal of the elastic retina from its normal physical environment results in degenerative damage, and, if restored, rescues retinal neurons. Our study reinforces the notion of a strong relationship between the biomechanical environment and homeostasis within the retina, which has significant bearing on pathologic events related to RRD, and may also have impact on other regions within the CNS under biomechanical influence.