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Apoptosis in patients with posterior uveitis
1Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md 20892-1857, USA. ccc@helix.nih.gov
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|December 24, 1997
Summary
Apoptosis, a cell death process, is active in uveitic eyes. Dysregulation of the Fas-FasL pathway may contribute to ocular inflammation, gliosis, and fibrosis in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Apoptosis is implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases.
- Investigating apoptotic markers in uveitis is crucial for understanding ocular inflammation.
Observation:
- The study examined apoptotic molecules (Fas, Fas ligand) and DNA fragmentation in human eyes with various uveitic conditions and normal controls.
- Immunohistochemistry and in situ apoptotic detection were employed.
Findings:
- Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) are present in the normal retina and choroid, with increased expression in uveitic eyes.
- Increased Fas and FasL expression was observed in the retina, chorioretinal scars, and choroidal granulomas of uveitic eyes.
- DNA fragmentation was detected in eyes with chorioretinal scars and gliosis, while Fas/FasL expression was notably absent in acute retinal necrosis.
Implications:
- Apoptosis occurs in uveitic eyes and may help regulate ocular inflammation.
- Dysregulation of the Fas-FasL apoptotic pathway might lead to gliosis and fibrosis in uveitis.
- Understanding these apoptotic mechanisms can inform future therapeutic strategies for uveitis.