Detection and immunolocalization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in rat iris and ciliary epithelium

To elucidate the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in ocular inflammation, we examined the localization of MIF in the normal anterior uveal tract of rats. Immunohistochemistry using an anti-MIF antibody revealed that MIF was present in non-pigment epithelial cells of the ciliary body and the epithelial cells of the iris. Western blot analysis of these tissues showed a single band specific for MIF protein. The expression of MIF mRNA in these tissues was further confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Since MIF is known to be a potent proinflammatory cytokine, identification of the protein in iris and ciliary epithelial cells suggests the possibility that it may play an important role in ocular inflammation.