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Cytokine gene expression after subretinal transplantation.
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan. toshi@oph.med.tohoku.ac.jp
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|February 16, 2000
Summary
Cell transplantation in the eye can trigger immune responses. This study found that specific cytokines, or inflammatory markers, were elevated after retinal pigment epithelial cell transplantation in rats, suggesting a role in local tissue reactions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell transplantation, including retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells, is studied for age-related macular degeneration.
- Graft rejection and subsequent cystoid macular edema are potential complications in these transplantation studies.
- Understanding the local immune response is crucial for improving transplantation outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cytokine gene expression in the subretinal space following RPE and IPE cell transplantation without immunosuppression.
- To differentiate between immune responses to surgical trauma and those specific to cell transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze cytokine gene expression.
- Cultured human RPE and rat IPE cells were transplanted into the subretinal space of Royal College of Surgeon's rats.
- Control groups received vehicle-only injections to assess surgical trauma response.
Main Results:
- Gene expression related to melanogenesis was observed in human RPE cells early post-transplantation.
- Several rat cytokines, including Interleukin (IL)-1alpha, -1beta, -2, -6, Interferon gamma, and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha), were expressed post-transplantation.
- Statistically significant increases in IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 expression were noted after human RPE transplantation compared to vehicle controls.
- Significant expression of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and TNF alpha was observed after rat IPE transplantation compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Cytokine gene expression occurs after subretinal cell transplantation in rats, even without immunosuppression.
- Specific cytokines are upregulated post-transplantation, indicating an inflammatory response beyond surgical trauma.
- These findings suggest that cytokines play a significant role in the local reaction to RPE and IPE cell transplantation in the subretinal space.