Abstract
Purpose:
The cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD3, and LTE4) have many biological effects, which augment allergic inflammation. Clinically, cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists are widely used for the treatment of asthma and nasal allergy. To clarify the roles of cysteinyl leukotrienes signals in severe chronic allergic conjunctivitis, we investigated the expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLTR) in the resected giant papillae.
Methods:
Anti-CysLTR1, CysLTR2, MBP, CD68, neutrophil elastases and tryptase immnunohistochemical staining were performed with the resected giant papillae obtained from AKC/VKC patients (n=9). Realtime PCR analysis was carried out to examine CysLTR1 mRNA expression in giant papillae obtained from VKC patients and control conjunctival tissue.
Results:
CysLTR1 positive infiltrating cells were observed in the epithelium and substantia propria of the giant papillae. CysLTR1/neutrophil elastase double positive cells were localized in the substantia propria of the giant papillae. CysLTR2 positive vascular endothelial cells and CysLTR2/CD68 double positive cells were present in the giant papillae. CysLTR1 mRNA was detected in VKC patients.
Conclusions:
CysLTR1 and CysLTR2 expression were observed in the giant papillae obtained from AKC/VKC patients.
Keywords: 475 conjunctivitis •
557 inflammation •
474 conjunctiva