[Superoxide generated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and retinal lipid peroxidation in uveoretinitis]

The presence of superoxide generated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was demonstrated in an experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) model. Histopathological examination of the eyes, enucleated sequentially after the onset of EAU, and determination of retinal lipid peroxidation (LPO) revealed an increase in LPO products with progressive retinal tissue damage. In addition, histopathological changes, predominantly degeneration of the retinal outer segments, and increased retinal LPO were confirmed in vitro by culturing naive neural retina with activated PMNs. This increased LPO was inhibited by superoxide dismutase (SOD). These data suggest that lipid peroxidation reaction involving superoxide may play an important role in the pathogenesis of retinal tissue damage in ocular inflammatory disease characterized by the infiltration of PMNs.