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Basophils in vernal conjunctivitis in humans: an electron microscopic study
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|September 1, 1977
Summary
Vernal conjunctivitis involves immune cell infiltration and blood vessel changes in the eye. This suggests a mixed delayed and immediate immunological response, potentially a type of hypersensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Vernal conjunctivitis is a bilateral, itching eye disease.
- Its exact immunological mechanism is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathological changes in vernal conjunctivitis.
- To classify the immunological response involved.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of ocular tissues.
- Analysis of cellular infiltration and vascular changes.
Main Results:
- Stromal infiltration by lymphocytes, plasma cells, and various leukocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils).
- Epithelial invasion by mast cells and eosinophils.
- Vascular changes including endothelial cell death, increased permeability, and extravasation of erythrocytes and fibrin.
- Novel detection of basophils in ocular tissue.
Conclusions:
- Vernal conjunctivitis exhibits a complex histopathology with significant immune cell involvement.
- The presence of basophils suggests a classification as a manifestation of delayed-type hypersensitivity, cutaneous basophil type.
- The underlying mechanism likely involves a combination of delayed and immediate immunological responses.