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Biomedical subjects

A Kijlstra

Publications and source records attributed to A Kijlstra.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Cytokine mRNA expression during experimental corneal allograft rejection.

Allograft rejection is the main cause of corneal graft failure. T lymphocytes and macrophages have been implied to be involved in corneal rejection, but little is known about the molecular mechanism in this process. In this study, cytokine mRNA expression in the cornea was analysed during experimental corneal transplantation. The donor and acceptor corneas of two groups of rats were studied after receiving an allo- (PVG to AO rat) or autograft (AO rat). For controls, central buttons and peripheral corneal rings of the non-transplanted contralateral eyes were used. At different post-operative days (1, 3, 7, 12 and 19), the corneas were removed and subjected to mRNA isolation. All corneal samples underwent semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis for interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-1, receptor antagonist, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 mRNA expression. Corneal rejection, characterized by opaque corneas with prominent neovascularization, was always diagnosed around day 12. Contralateral, non-grafted corneas showed constitutive mRNA expression for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and in a few samples also monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 mRNA was found. Both allo- and autografts expressed mRNA for the cytokines found in contralateral, non-grafted tissue, as well as for interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In allografts, the mRNA levels for these cytokines remained constant throughout all post-operative days, with increased interleukin-6 mRNA expression after post-operative day 12. The analysis of the autografts revealed high cytokine mRNA levels until post-operative day 3 or 7, which decreased from then on, except for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. mRNA for interleukin-2, interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma was not observed in autografts at any time point and in allografts, until post-operative day 12. Interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma mRNA showed maximal expression on POD 12, while in autografts, a marked decrease was observed after POD 3. IL-10 mRNA levels decreased immediately after POD 1 in autografted eyes. For TNF-alpha, an increased mRNA expression starting on POD 7 was found in recipient rings of allografted eyes, while in autografts a weak expression was seen in some samples. MIP-2 transcription increased on PAD 12, while in autografts, its expression was not markedly different from that detected in the contralateral, non-grafted peripheral cornea.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in onchocerciasis.

Our objective was to measure serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in patients with onchocerciasis. Serum ACE activity is commonly used in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with sarcoidosis. However, serum ACE activity can also be elevated in a number of other granulomatous disorders. In onchocerciasis, a parasitic disease affecting millions of people in Africa and Central and South America, granulomatous tissue around adult worms has been identified, yet raised serum ACE activity has not been reported so far. We measured serum ACE activity in serum samples from 42 onchocerciasis patients and 39 endemic controls previously enrolled in two studies concerning the side effects after invermectin treatment in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The mean ACE activity in the patient group was 53.8 units/liter (S.D. 19.8) compared with 35.2 units/liter (S.D. 14.0) in the control group (p < 0.0001). Nine of 42 patients had elevated ACE activity (mean of the endemic controls +/- 2 S.D.) compared with 1 of 39 controls (p = 0.01). Sensitivity and specificity of elevated ACE in serum from onchocerciasis patients from Sierra Leone was 21 and 97%, respectively. ACE activity was not related to the microfilarial skin load or development of side effects after ivermectin treatment. Serum ACE activity can be elevated in onchocerciasis. Clinicians should be aware of this phenomenon when determining serum ACE activity in persons from endemic areas.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Serologic and polymerase chain reaction analysis of intraocular fluids in the diagnosis of infectious uveitis.

PURPOSE: Infectious uveitis entities are usually rapidly progressive blinding diseases that can be prevented by prompt administration of specific antimicrobial therapy. With the aim of improving early diagnosis in patients with infectious uveitis, intraocular fluid samples from patients with sight-threatening posterior uveitis were investigated to determine the causative agent. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and retinitis, eight immunosuppressed patients with retinitis, 16 immunocompetent patients with acute retinal necrosis, and 22 immunocompetent patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of herpesviruses and Toxoplasma gondii DNA and for local antibody production against these microorganisms. RESULTS: In patients with AIDS and retinitis, polymerase chain reaction was positive for cytomegalovirus DNA in 21 (91%) of the 23 ocular fluid samples obtained during active cytomegalovirus retinitis, whereas local antibody production analysis was negative in all cases. In acute retinal necrosis, varicella-zoster virus or herpes simplex virus could be established as the inciting agent in 81% of the cases, using the combination of both techniques. Polymerase chain reaction was positive in all samples obtained within two weeks after the onset of disease. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 4 of 13 samples (31%) from immuno-competent patients with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis; in each case, local antibody production was also detected. In contrast, no local antibody production was observed in two of three samples from transplant recipients that were positive for T. gondii DNA. All the control samples tested were negative for the above-mentioned tests. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AIDS, polymerase chain reaction analysis is preferable above local antibody production in detecting the inciting agent of retinitis. In other cases, the combination of both techniques can make a valuable contribution to the diagnosis.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1996

Interaction between nitric oxide and prostaglandin synthesis in the acute phase of allergic conjunctivitis.

Both nitric oxide and prostaglandins induce vasodilatation which is an important feature of local inflammation. The purpose of the study described here was to investigate a possible interaction between these two types of mediators in an experimental model of allergic conjunctivitis. A conjunctival allergic reaction was induced with antigen in sensitized guinea pigs. Conjunctival vascular permeability changes were evaluated with the prophylactic use of an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME) and a cycloxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin). To study a possible interaction between nitric oxide and prostaglandin synthesis in the acute phase of allergic conjunctivitis, the levels of nitrite and PGE2 were determined in lavage fluid. The prophylactic use of L-NAME on the formation of conjunctival edema in response to topical PGD2 administration was studied by measurement of albumin levels in lavage fluid. Both nitric oxide and PGE2 are synthesized in response to antigen provocation and after histamine administration. Nitric oxide and PGE2 are produced simultaneously in the conjunctiva and they showed identical synthesis profiles in response to antigen provocation. Pretreatment with L-NAME inhibited the synthesis of PGE2 whereas exogenous administration of nitric oxide increased the level of PGE2 in lavage fluid. Prophylactic treatment with L-NAME significantly inhibited the PGD2 induced albumin extravasation. Nitric oxide seems to play an important role in the acute phase of allergic conjunctivitis it may stimulate PGE2 production and acts as a secondary mediator in PGD2 and histamine induced conjunctival edema.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1996

Aetiology of uveitis in Sierra Leone, west Africa.

BACKGROUND: In 1992, non-onchocercal uveitis caused 9% of blindness, 8% of visual impairment, and 11% of uniocular blindness among patients visiting an eye hospital in Sierra Leone, west Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the aetiology of uveitis in this population. METHODS: General and ophthalmic examination complemented by serum and aqueous humour analyses for various infectious agents was performed for 93 uveitis patients and compared with serum (n = 100) and aqueous humour (n = 9) analysis of endemic controls. RESULTS: At the initial examination, 45 patients (48%) proved to be severely visually handicapped. After clinical and laboratory analyses, an aetiological diagnosis was established for 49 patients (52%). Toxoplasma gondii was the most important cause of uveitis (40/93; 43%). Anti-toxoplasma IgM antibodies were detected in serum samples of seven of 93 patients (8%) compared with one of 100 controls (1%, p < 0.05). At least six patients (15%) with ocular toxoplasmosis had acquired the disease postnatally. Antibodies against Treponema pallidum were detected in 18 of 92 patients (20%) and in 21 controls (21%). Other causes of uveitis were varicella zoster virus (one patient), herpes simplex virus (two patients), and HLA-B27 positive acute anterior uveitis with ankylosing spondylitis (one patient), while one patient had presumed HTLV-I uveitis. CONCLUSIONS: In a hospital population in Sierra Leone, west Africa, uveitis was associated with severe visual handicap and infectious diseases. Toxoplasmosis proved to be the most important cause of the uveitis. Although the distribution of congenital versus acquired toxoplasmosis in this population could not be determined, the results indicate an important role of postnatally acquired disease. The results further suggested minor roles for HIV, tuberculosis, toxocariasis, and sarcoidosis as causes of uveitis in this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Diagnostic assays in cytomegalovirus retinitis: detection of herpesvirus by simultaneous application of the polymerase chain reaction and local antibody analysis on ocular fluid.

AIM: To determine the value of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and the analysis of intraocularly produced antibodies by calculating a Goldmann-Witmer quotient (GWq) as diagnostic assays in the confirmation of a clinically diagnosed cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in a group of unselected AIDS patients. METHODS: Eleven samples of undiluted ocular fluid, obtained from nine AIDS patients with a clinically diagnosed CMV retinitis were analysed for the presence of genomic DNA from CMV, HSV-1, VZV, and EBV by PCR. Nine of these samples were analysed for the presence of locally produced IgG antibodies against these herpesviruses by calculating a GWq. Ten samples obtained from patients with various entities of clinical non-herpetic uveitis and 17 samples of aqueous humour obtained at cataract surgery were used as controls. RESULTS: In 10 out of 11 samples from AIDS patients (91%) the presence of CMV DNA was demonstrated. In four out of nine (44%) patients this was accompanied by CMV DNA in the blood indicating a CMV viraemia. In one sample, VZV DNA was detected and in another sample both CMV and VZV DNA were detected. No HSV-1 or EBV DNA could be demonstrated in these 11 samples. In contrast, simultaneous analysis of locally produced IgG antibodies against herpesviruses could not confirm the initial diagnosis of CMV retinitis. Ocular fluid samples obtained from 10 control uveitis patients were negative for DNA from CMV, VZV, and EBV by PCR. In one of 10 uveitis control samples HSV-1 DNA was detected; antibody analysis did not confirm this. In the uveitis control group, a significant GWq was calculated in one sample for HSV-1 and in another sample for VZV. The cataract control samples were all herpesvirus DNA negative by PCR. CONCLUSIONS: To establish the diagnosis of CMV retinitis in AIDS patients, ophthalmoscopic examination is a sensitive method. In confirming a diagnosis in indistinctive cases, application of a PCR assay detecting CMV DNA is a more sensitive method than analysis of locally produced antibodies by calculating a GWq. In clinical non-herpetic uveitis, secondary release of HSV-1 and VZV should be considered requiring additional therapeutic anticipation.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1996

Causes and frequency of blindness in patients with intraocular inflammatory disease.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Uveitis, an intraocular inflammatory disease, is a significant cause of visual impairment. It is not known how many patients with uveitis will retain visual acuity and how many develop visual impairment or even blindness. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of blindness in patients with uveitis and, more specifically, to identify the clinical profile of patients at risk for visual loss. METHODS: A cross sectional and retrospective study of 582 patients with uveitis who visited the ophthalmology departments of two university hospitals in the Netherlands was performed. RESULTS: Within the group of 582 patients, 203 (35%) exhibited blindness or visual impairment; bilateral legal blindness developed in 22 (4%) patients, 26 (4.5%) had one blind eye with visual impairment of the other, and nine (1.5%) had bilateral visual impairment. Unilateral blindness developed in 82 (14%) patients, whereas 64 (11%) exhibited unilateral visual impairment. The most important cause of both blindness and visual impairment was cystoid macular oedema (29% and 41%, respectively). Complications of uveitis were encountered in more than half of the patients and 23% underwent one or more surgical procedures. When the patients were subdivided according to anatomical site, those with panuveitis had the worst visual prognosis. The systemic diseases associated with a poor visual prognosis were juvenile chronic arthritis and sarcoidosis. Ocular toxoplasmosis was the most frequent cause of unilateral visual loss. CONCLUSIONS: Cystoid macular oedema is the most frequent complication of uveitis and its occurrence plays a decisive role in the visual outcome of this disease.

Arthritis, Juvenile↗
PubMed1996

Macrophages in the retina of normal Lewis rats and their dynamics after injection of lipopolysaccharide.

PURPOSE: To investigate the density, distribution, and morphology of macrophages (bone marrow-derived microglia) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-positive cells in the retina of Lewis rats and the dynamics of these cells after systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was carried out using monoclonal antibodies specific to monocytes and macrophages (ED1, ED2) and MHC class II-positive cells (OX-6) on whole-mounts of the retina obtained from Lewis rats before and at different time points after footpad injection of 200 micrograms of LPS. RESULTS: The inner layers of the normal retina contained a network of macrophages, whereby ED1 and ED2 staining revealed similar results. Macrophages were either dendritiform or pleiomorphic in morphology, with the former predominant. The density of positive cells was higher at the peripheral part and the periequatorial part (271 +/- 10 cells/mm2 and 267 +/- 9 cells/mm2, respectively) than at the posterior part (196 +/- 11 cells/mm2; P < 0.0001 in both cases). Lipopolysaccharide injection induced an early adherence of monocytes to retinal blood vessels, followed by a massive influx of the macrophages into the retina. The ED1-ED2 positive cells showed a variety of morphologic appearances: large round cells, pleiomorphic cells, and dendritiform cells. Pleiomorphic cells were striking at 48 hours, whereas dendritiform cells were predominant in the whole retina at 72 hours and thereafter. On day 14, the dendritiform cell numbers returned to approximately preinjection levels. Major histocompatibility class II-positive cells could not be found in the normal retina, nor after LPS injection. CONCLUSIONS: The network of MHC class II-negative microglia in the retina were studied. These cells may play an important role in immunoregulation and stability of the immunologic microenvironment within the retina. Systemic LPS injection was followed by a massive influx of macrophages into the retina. The absence of MHC class II-positive cells in the retina after LPS challenge may be an important protective mechanism against possible autoimmune damage.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Immunoglobulin A antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the tear fluid of contact lens wearers.

PURPOSE: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most important cause of contact lens-associated ulcerative keratitis, especially for those who use extended-wear lenses. Until now, the presence of specific anti-P. aeruginosa immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in the tears of contact lens wearers has not been investigated and is the purpose of the current study. METHODS: The levels of specific IgA antibodies against P. aeruginosa and total secretory IgA (s-IgA) concentrations were measured in tears of various groups of contact lens and non-contact lens wearers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Contact lens groups were divided into the following categories: daily-wear rigid gas-permeable lenses (n = 23), daily-wear soft lenses (n = 22), extended-wear soft lenses (n = 17), and non-contact lens wearers (n = 23). As a positive control group, we tested tears obtained from patients with cystic fibrosis (n = 5) because the respiratory tract of these persons often are colonized by P. aeruginosa. RESULTS: The percentage of nonresponders (< 15 U/ml) varied between 9% in daily-wear rigid gas-permeable contact lens users to 23% in daily-wear soft contact lens users. The percentage of nonresponders in controls was 13%. The frequency of nonresponders was not significantly different among the different groups tested. All patients with cystic fibrosis showed a very high anti-P. aeruginosa IgA response in their tears. When analyzing the mean anti-P. aeruginosa IgA response, a significantly lower level was found in extended-wear contact lens users (38 U/ml) compared to non-contact lens wearers (82 U/ml). Total s-IgA levels in the tears of the various groups tested were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of persons in the population of contact lens wearers tested lack detectable IgA antibodies against P. aeruginosa in their tears and may be susceptible to P. aeruginosa keratitis if the physiological condition of their cornea is compromised.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Serological and polymerase chain reaction-based analysis of aqueous humour samples in patients with AIDS and necrotizing retinitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the measurement of intraocular antibody production and detection of DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of the causative microorganism in patients with AIDS and necrotizing retinitis. METHODS: Paired serum and aqueous humour samples obtained from 28 patients with AIDS and necrotizing retinitis, seen between January 1987 and March 1992, were analysed for intraocular antibody production against cytomegalovirus (CMV), varicella zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Toxoplasma gondii. Specific antibody titres in the inflamed eye and in the circulation were related to total immunoglobulin G content in the aqueous humour and serum. In addition, PCR analysis was performed in 15 samples. Results were compared to the final diagnosis, which was based on the subsequent clinical course. Results were also related to parameters describing the immune state of the patients: CD4 count, time between diagnosis of an AIDS-defining illness and retinitis, and time of survival following the diagnosis of retinitis. RESULTS: In 11 (39%) out of 28 patients we found local intraocular antibody production which correlated with the final diagnosis (one out of two cases with acute retinal necrosis, three out of five cases with toxoplasma retinitis, and eight out of 21 patients with CMV retinitis). In all 13 patients with CMV retinitis PCR analysis detected CMV DNA. In one patient with the clinical diagnosis of Toxoplasma retinitis, Toxoplasma DNA could be determined, whereas in the same sample CMV DNA was also found. In yet another patient with Toxoplasma retinitis only CMV DNA could be detected. A relationship between results of local antibody determination with either CD4 counts, or the time interval between AIDS-defining illness and retinitis, or survival time after diagnosis of retinitis could not be established. CD4 counts were higher than 50 x 10(6)/l in eight out of 19 patients with CMV retinitis. No complications of paracentesis were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of intraocular antibody production and PCR analysis are quick and safe procedures and helpful tools for diagnosis of the involved pathogen in AIDS patients with a necrotizing retinitis. Negative results of local antibody production, even in the presence of detectable viral DNA, could not be related to the parameters of a more deteriorated immune status of these patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

Immunohistochemical studies of macrophages and MHC class II-positive cells in the iris and ciliary body of Lewis rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the density, distribution and morphology of macrophages and MHC class II-positive dendritic cells in the iris and ciliary body of lewis rats. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antibodies specific to monocytes and macrophages (ED1, ED2) and MHC class II-positive cells (OX6) on wholemounts of the iris-ciliary body complex isolated form normal lewis rats. RESULTS: A well developed network of macrophages was present in the iris and ciliary body of normal lewis rats. These cells, morphologically displaying dendritiform or pleiomorphic appearance, were more densely arranged in mid-iris (950 +/- 189 cells/mm2) than in iris base (482 +/- 78 cells/mm2) and pupil margin (595 +/- 92 cells/mm2). A similar network of MHC class II-positive cells with a cell density 452 +/- 78 cells/mm2 was almost uniformly distributed in the iris of normal lewis rats. CONCLUSIONS: A network of macrophages and MHC class II-positive cells was established in the iris and ciliary body of normal lewis rats. These cells may be involved biologically in the generation of anterior chamber associated immune deviation-inducing signal within the anterior chamber and the transferring of this signal from the eye to the spleen, and pathophysiologically in the pathogenesis of uveoretinitis.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Changes of the cornea induced by lipopolysaccharide in Lewis rats].

PURPOSE: To investigate changes of the cornea induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: Immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibodies to monocytes, macrophages (ED1, ED2) and MHC class II antigen (OX6) was performed on the corneal wholemounts obtained from normal lewis rats and those after LPS injection. RESULTS: Macrophages were noted to be present in whole cornea with a gradually decreased cell density from limbus to central part in normal lewis rats. However, major histocompatibility complex class II antigen (MHC class II)-positive cells were only distributed at limbus. Footpad injection of LPS induced an increase of monocytes and macrophages in whole cornea and a dramatical changes of these cells morphologically. MHC class II-positive cells were only and shortly noted on the surface of the cornea endothelium at early stage after LPS injection. CONCLUSION: LPS-induced increase of macrophages in the cornea may be an important defense mechanism in response to LPS challenge. On the other hand, the absence of MHC class II-positive cells both in the normal and in the inflamed cornea may be contributed to the stability of immunological microenvironment within this tissue.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Systemic anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody treatment exacerbates endotoxin-induced uveitis in the rat.

Tumor necrosis factor is released in the circulation and aqueous humor during endotoxin-induced uveitis, and induces acute uveitis when injected intraocularly in rats. To elucidate the role of tumor necrosis factor in the development of endotoxin-induced uveitis we analysed the effect of neutralizing anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies and of pentoxifylline, a drug that inhibits tumor necrosis factor synthesis. Lewis rats were treated with: (a) a single intracardial injection of polyclonal rabbit anti-murine tumor necrosis factor antiserum prior to foot pad injection of 200 micrograms lipopolysaccharide; (b) an intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg pentoxifylline 1 hr before, at the time of, and 3 hr after foot pad injection of lipopolysaccharide; or (c) an intravitreal injection of 20 to 500 micrograms pentoxifylline together with 1 microgram lipopolysaccharide. The ocular inflammation was examined by slit-lamp and evaluated for the presence of hyperemia, flare, miosis, infiltrating cells or hypopyon. Levels of tumor necrosis factor in serum and aqueous samples were determined using a bioassay. Systemic treatment with either anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies or pentoxifylline resulted in a significant inhibition, 90 and 70% respectively, of serum tumor necrosis factor activity at 3 to 4 hr after lipopolysaccharide injection. Systemic pentoxifylline treatment had no influence on the severity of uveitis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody treatment, in contrast, caused an exacerbation of endotoxin-induced uveitis at t = 20 hr; mean uveitis score 3.9 vs. 1.4 in controls; P < 0.01. Intraocular administration of pentoxifylline together with lipopolysaccharide also had an aggravating effect on uveitis, that was associated with increased levels of intraocular tumor necrosis factor. The results show that inhibition of serum tumor necrosis factor activity does not block the development of endotoxin-induced uveitis. In fact, anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody treatment exacerbates the intraocular inflammation. These findings suggest that tumor necrosis factor may have other than proinflammatory properties in this uveitis model.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Tumour necrosis factor-induced uveitis in the Lewis rat is associated with intraocular interleukin 6 production.

Lewis rats were injected with recombinant murine tumour necrosis factor-alpha either intravitreally (0.08-50 ng) or intracardially (1 microgram). The intraocular inflammatory response induced by tumour necrosis factor was examined by slit-lamp and protein extravasation into aqueous humor was determined. The phenotype of the inflammatory cells in the eye was analysed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the kinetics of intraocular interleukin 6 production were determined. At 24 hr after intravitreal injection, a significant clinical uveitis was observed only in rats injected with 50 ng of tumour necrosis factor, when compared to saline-treated controls (P < 0.05). Maximal clinical uveitis and blood-aqueous barrier breakdown were already present at 4 hr after tumour necrosis factor injection. The uveitis was characterized by a massive cellular infiltrate in the anterior segment, consisting predominantly of polymorphonuclear cells and macrophages/monocytes, and to a lesser extent of T lymphocytes. Intraocular interleukin 6 mRNA expression and elevated levels of interleukin 6 in aqueous humor were detected 1 hr after tumor necrosis factor injection, reached a maximum at 3 to 4 hr after injection, and had declined again at 2 hr. Although intracardial injection of 1 microgram of tumour necrosis factor in Lewis rats induced a rise of circulating interleukin 6, it did not produce uveitis. The results obtained with intravitreally injected tumour necrosis factor indicate that intraocular TNF may play a pivotal role in the induction of uveitis in the rat. The transient intraocular production of interleukin 6 early during tumour necrosis factor-induced uveitis suggests that this cytokine may participate in the response induced by tumour necrosis factor.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

HLA typing in congenital toxoplasmosis.

HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, and HLA-D typing was performed in 47 mothers of patients suffering from ocular toxoplasmosis to investigate whether an immunogenetic predisposition exists for developing congenital toxoplasmosis in their offspring. No significant association between any HLA antigen was observed in the mothers of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis, although a total absence of the HLA-B51 antigen was found in this group. HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C typing was also performed in their children (52 patients with ocular toxoplasmosis), to investigate a possible relation between the severity of ocular toxoplasmosis and an eventual immunogenetic factor. In the patients with ocular toxoplasmosis an increased frequency of the HLA-Bw62 antigen was observed in correlation with severe ocular involvement.

Disease Susceptibility↗