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Aqueous humor interleukin-6 levels in uveitis
P I Murray1, R Hoekzema, M A van Haren
1Department of Ophthalmo-Immunology, Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute, Amsterdam.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were elevated in the aqueous humor of patients with uveitis, suggesting it acts as an inflammatory mediator. This study is the first to report intraocular IL-6 levels in uveitis patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Inflammation
Background:
- Uveitis is an inflammatory eye condition.
- The role of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in intraocular inflammation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure intraocular Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis (FHC) and toxoplasma uveitis (TU).
- To determine if elevated IL-6 in aqueous humor originates from local production or serum leakage.
Main Methods:
- A specific bioassay using the murine hybridoma cell line B9 was employed.
- Aqueous humor and serum samples were collected from 24 uveitis patients (16 FHC, 8 TU) and 13 control subjects.
- IL-6 levels were quantified in aqueous humor and matched serum samples.
Main Results:
- Sixty-three percent of FHC and TU patients exhibited elevated aqueous IL-6 levels (mean 543 and 19,228 units/ml, respectively).
- Control aqueous and all serum samples showed IL-6 levels below 10 units/ml.
- Elevated intraocular IL-6 levels in uveitis patients were not attributed to serum leakage, indicating local production.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of elevated intraocular IL-6 levels in uveitis.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) likely functions as a key inflammatory mediator in uveitis.