Upregulation of lipocalin-2 in the retina of experimental autoimmune uveitis

Lipocalin-2, a siderophore-binding protein, is an antimicrobial, exerting both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory actions. Lipocalin-2 is also involved in glial activation, matrix metalloproteinase stabilization, and cellular iron flux, all of which play roles in autoimmune diseases. The present study aimed to determine the expression of lipocalin-2 in the eyes of Lewis rats with interphotoreceptor-binding protein-induced experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Significantly elevated serum lipocalin-2 levels were also detected in rats by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lipocalin-2 immunostaining was detected predominantly in activated glial cells, including glutamine synthase-positive Müller cells, and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1-positive microglia and macrophages in EAU rats. Taken together, the results presented herein show that lipocalin-2 is a potential diagnostic marker for uveitis.