Objective To investigate the expression of hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR) in epiretinal membranes (ERM) of eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and cultured retinal pigent epithelium (RPE) cells. Methods Fifteen human epiretinal membranes were obtained from eyes undergone vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicated with PVR and observed by immunohistochemical examination to study the expression of HGFR. Using the immunohistochemical technique to evaluate the expression of HGFR in cultured RPE cells. Results In 6 membranes of PVR-grade C, HGFR were expressed in 5/6, and 7 cases were detected in 9 membranes of PVR-grade D.RPE cells express readily detectable levels of HGFR. Conclusion The findings indicate that HGF might be involved in the formation of epiretinal membranes in PVR. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2002, 18: 221-223)