[The dynamics of leucocytes and complements in endotoxin induced uveitis]

The dynamics of leukocytes, complement and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were studied in endotoxin induced uveitis (EIU) in rats. Endotoxin was administered to footpads and the time courses of the following were examined: 1) the number of leukocytes in peripheral blood 2) the number of leukocytes and protein concentration of aqueous humor 3) complement (CH50, C1, C3, C5) in serum and aqueous humor 4) TNF in serum 5) histological changes in the eyes, lungs, liver, and skin. The number of leukocytes in peripheral blood decreased to one third that of controls during three to six hours after endotoxin administration, but increased thereafter along with the number of leukocytes and protein concentration in aqueous humor. More leukocytes were observed than in controls in the small vessels of the iris, lung, liver and skin, some of which attached to the vascular endothelium. Serum C3 increased and serum C5 transiently decreased after endotoxin administration. Serum TNF reached a peak (3500 IU/ml) at 1.5 hours and rapidly decreased subsequently. It is suggested that the adhesion of leukocytes to vascular endothelium and the activation of complement system may play important roles in the development of EIU.