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.