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Autoimmunity in hereditary retinal degeneration. I. Basic studies
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Autoimmune responses are common in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and other eye diseases. This study found antibodies and cell-mediated immunity to retinal antigens in many patients, suggesting a potential role in ocular disorders.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal diseases.
- Autoimmune processes are implicated in various degenerative ocular disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and extent of antiretinal autoimmune activity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
- To compare autoimmune responses in RP patients with those in patients with other eye diseases and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 116 RP patients, 64 patients with other eye diseases, and 36 controls were screened for antibodies to retinal antigens using indirect immunofluorescence.
- Lymphocyte transformation assays were employed to detect cell-mediated immunity to retinal antigens.
Main Results:
- Antibodies reacting with retinal antigens were detected in 37% of RP patients, 33% of non-RP patients, and 2% of controls.
- Lymphocyte sensitization to retinal antigens was observed in 19% of RP patients, 18% of non-RP patients, and 10% of controls.
Conclusions:
- Autoimmune responses, including antibody production and cell-mediated immunity, are prevalent in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and other degenerative eye conditions.
- The pathogenic role of these autoimmune responses in the progression of ocular disorders remains to be elucidated.