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Vitreous intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in uveitis complicated by retinal detachment
L Webster1, R M Stanbury, A H Chignell
1Department of Ophthalmology, Rayne Institute, UMDS, St Thomas's Hospital, London.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 26, 1998
Summary
Vitreous levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) are elevated in uveitic eyes, correlating with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). This suggests cytokine-driven inflammation at the blood-retinal barrier, potentially worsened by retinal detachment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Uveitis is an inflammatory eye condition.
- Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) plays a role in inflammatory processes.
- Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is a cytokine known to upregulate ICAM-1 expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vitreous levels of sICAM-1 in uveitic eyes.
- To correlate sICAM-1 levels with disease activity and TNF alpha.
- To understand the role of sICAM-1 in the pathogenesis of uveitis, particularly when complicated by retinal detachment (RD).
Main Methods:
- Vitreous and serum samples were collected from 23 uveitis patients undergoing retinal surgery.
- Levels of immunoreactive sICAM-1 and TNF alpha were measured using ELISA.
- Vitreous samples from non-uveitic eyes (RRD, macular holes, cadaveric) served as controls.
Main Results:
- Vitreous sICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in uveitic eyes compared to controls.
- Eyes with uveitis complicated by RRD showed higher sICAM-1 levels than those without RRD.
- A positive correlation was found between vitreous sICAM-1 and immunoreactive TNF alpha levels.
Conclusions:
- Elevated vitreous sICAM-1 in uveitis indicates cytokine-mediated vascular reactions at the blood-retinal barrier.
- High sICAM-1 levels in RRD-complicated uveitis suggest impaired clearance of inflammatory molecules.
- Retinal detachment may exacerbate the inflammatory process in uveitic eyes.