Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2026

09:42
A Chronic Autoimmune Dry Eye Rat Model with Increase in Effector Memory T Cells in Eyeball Tissue
Published on: June 7, 2017
[Immunologic peculiarities of uveitis concurrent with systemic pathologies]
Vestnik Oftalmologii
|September 24, 2004
Summary
This study reveals significant immune system alterations in uveitis patients, with elevated Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and varied Interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels. These changes correlate with impaired systemic immunity and hemostasis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition, often co-occurs with systemic diseases.
- Understanding the immunologic profile in uveitis is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Previous research suggests a link between systemic immunity and ocular inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immunologic changes in patients with uveitis and concurrent systemic pathologies.
- To analyze cytokine profiles (IL-6, IL-4) in blood serum and lachrymal fluid.
- To correlate systemic immune alterations with hemostasis impairments in uveitis.
Main Methods:
- Immunologic examinations were conducted on 111 uveitis patients (85 males, 26 females; mean age 32.4 ± 5.8).
- Quantification of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-4 (IL-4) in blood serum (BS) and lachrymal fluid (LF).
- Assessment of systemic immunity markers including T-lymphocytes, B-cells, immunoglobulins (IgM), circulating immune complexes (CIC), and complement activity.
- Evaluation of local immunity in LF, including secretory IgA, IgG, IgM, complement components (C3, C4), CIC, and lysozyme activity.
Main Results:
- Elevated IL-6 levels were observed in both BS and LF of all uveitis patients.
- IL-4 levels varied: lower in uveitis associated with ankylosing spondylitis and Reuter's disease, higher in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- Systemic immunity impairments included enhanced phagocyte activity, reduced T-lymphocytes, increased B-cells, decreased IgM and CIC, and diminished complement hemolytic activity.
- Local immunity showed reduced secretory IgA, IgG, IgM, but increased IgA, C3, C4, CIC, and lysozyme activity in LF.
Conclusions:
- Uveitis is associated with significant systemic and local immune dysregulation.
- Cytokine profiles and hemostasis impairments are key features of immunologic changes in uveitis.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay between systemic diseases and ocular inflammation, impacting various immune pathways.
Related Concept Videos
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology
Cytotoxic edema is a form of cerebral edema characterized by intracellular swelling of neurons, astrocytes, and other glial cells. It develops when the mechanisms responsible for maintaining ionic gradients across the cell membrane become impaired. Under normal physiological conditions, the sodium–potassium ATPase actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, preserving osmotic balance and enabling electrical signaling. This pump requires a continuous supply...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...

