Immunohistochemical studies on the endotoxin-induced uveitis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the longitudinal changes of macrophages and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-positive cells in the iris and ciliary body of Lewis rats after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antibodies to monocytes and macrophages (ED1) and MHC class II-positive cells (OX6) on wholemounts of the iris and ciliary body in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU).

RESULTS

A network of macrophages (ED1+ cell) and MHC class II-positive cells, was present in the iris and ciliary body of normal Lewis rats. Most cells in the iris and ciliary body displayed dendritiform appearance. A severe involvement of the iris and ciliary body, as evidenced by a rapid influx of monocytes and macrophages and remarkable increase of MHC class II-positive cells, was observed after LPS injection.

CONCLUSIONS

A network of macrophages and MHC class II-positive cells in the iris and ciliary body may play an important role in immune surveillance. LPS injection induces a severe inflammation in the anterior segment of the eye, which may serve as a model for acute anterior uveitis in human.