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Choroidal mast cells in retinal pathology: a potential target for intervention
Elodie Bousquet1, Min Zhao2, Brigitte Thillaye-Goldenberg2
1INSERM UMRS1138, Team 17: Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases: From Physiopathology to Clinical Developments, Paris, France; University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Sorbonne Universities, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Cordeliers Research Center, F-75006, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, Hôtel-Dieu of Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.
Mast cell degranulation in the eye causes inflammation and serous retinal detachments. Inhibiting mast cell degranulation may offer a therapeutic strategy for ocular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells play a role in initiating ocular inflammation.
- The specific impact of mast cell degranulation on ocular pathology is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the consequences of mast cell degranulation on ocular pathology.
- To explore the potential of inhibiting mast cell degranulation as an intervention for ocular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Mast cell degranulation was induced via subconjunctival injection of compound 48/80 in an animal model.
- Ocular inflammation, choroidal vessel dilation, and serous retinal detachments (SRDs) were assessed using clinical signs, optical coherence tomography, and histology.
- The effect of disodium cromoglycate on SRDs was evaluated.
- Cytokine and growth factor levels (TNF-α, CXCL1, IL-6, IL-5, CCL2, IL-1β, VEGF, IL-18) were measured.
Main Results:
- Mast cell degranulation in the choroid was observed shortly after injection and correlated with anterior segment inflammation.
- Choroidal vessel dilation and SRDs were detected and confirmed histologically.
- Disodium cromoglycate treatment significantly reduced the incidence of SRDs, indicating mast cell involvement in posterior segment issues.
- Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were associated with immune cell infiltration.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor and IL-18 showed inverse concentration changes, suggesting reciprocal regulation.
Conclusions:
- Local mast cell degranulation triggers acute ocular inflammation, choroidal vascular changes, and SRDs.
- Mast cells are implicated in retinal diseases, warranting further investigation.
- Pharmacological inhibition of mast cell degranulation presents a potential therapeutic target for ocular inflammatory conditions.
