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Complement inhibitors in normal cornea and aqueous humor.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Complement inhibitor proteins like C1 inhibitor and C3b inactivator are present in normal corneas but absent in aqueous humor, suggesting a role in preventing complement activation in the eye.
Area of Science:
- Ocular immunology
- Complement system biology
- Protein biochemistry
Background:
- The complement system is crucial for innate immunity but requires tight regulation.
- Inhibitory proteins prevent uncontrolled complement activation.
- The presence and function of complement inhibitors in ocular tissues are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of key complement inhibitory proteins in normal cornea and aqueous humor.
- To determine if these inhibitors play a role in regulating complement activation within the eye.
Main Methods:
- Gel double diffusion assays were used to detect inhibitor proteins.
- Functional assays assessed the activity of C1 inhibitor and C3b inactivator.
- Corneal and aqueous humor samples from normal eyes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- C1 inhibitor, beta 1H, and C3b inactivator were detected in corneal eluates but not in aqueous humor.
- Functional tests revealed low-to-absent levels of these inhibitors in aqueous humor.
- Corneal inhibitor activity was comparable to serum levels, with no significant differences.
Conclusions:
- Complement inhibitory proteins are present in the cornea but largely absent from the aqueous humor.
- Lower molecular weights of inhibitors may facilitate their presence in the cornea.
- These findings suggest a protective role for complement inhibitors in maintaining immune privilege in the noninflamed cornea.