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Immunohistochemical studies in equine recurrent uveitis (ERU)
A Romeike1, M Brügmann, W Drommer
1Institute of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany. romeia@pfizer.com
Veterinary Pathology
|November 21, 1998
Summary
Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) involves a T cell-predominant immune response, suggesting cell-mediated immunity plays a key role. Aberrant major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression on ocular cells indicates immune dysregulation in ERU.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Equine Pathology
Background:
- Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a common cause of blindness in horses.
- The exact cause of ERU remains unknown, but immunologic mechanisms are suspected.
- Human recurrent uveitis has an established immunologic pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of immunopathologic mechanisms in ERU.
- To analyze the types of inflammatory cells involved in ERU.
- To assess the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens in ERU.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical examination of 20 ERU eyes using T cell, B cell, and MHC class II markers.
- Assessment of inflammatory cell populations in 18 ERU eyes.
- Evaluation of MHC class II antigen expression on ocular cells in 10 ERU eyes.
Main Results:
- T lymphocytes constituted over 70% of inflammatory infiltrates in 89% of examined ERU eyes.
- B lymphocytes were found in focal aggregates in three eyes.
- Increased MHC class II expression was observed on trabecular meshwork, ciliary epithelium, Müller cells, and retinal pigment epithelial cells in ERU eyes.
Conclusions:
- The predominance of T cells supports a cell-mediated immune response in ERU pathogenesis.
- Aberrant MHC class II expression on resident ocular cells suggests a role for immune dysregulation in ERU.
- Further research into immune mechanisms is warranted for ERU treatment and prevention.