Abstract
Purpose:
We have previously developed a model of anterior scleritis by modifying a collagen-induced autoimmune arthritis model. Because corneal inflammation also frequently occur clinically in scleritis, we further modified the anterior scleritis model to induce corneal lesions inflammation, and then performed local ocular immunological analysis.
Methods:
DBA/1J mice received primary immunization in the back of the neck with bovine type II collagen (CII) emulsified using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). After 21 days, CFA-emulsified CII was injected around the eye for secondary immunization. After another 7 days, incomplete Freund’s adjuvant-emulsified CII was subcutaneously injected in the back of the neck, then the arthritis and eyes were examined. At 3, 5, 8, and 12 weeks after secondary immunization, the eyeballs were extracted and immunohistological analysis was performed.
Results:
Clinical findings showed severe arthritis, dilated scleral blood vessels, and corneal opacity. Histological findings revealed anterior scleral thickening, with significantly more infiltrating cells as compared to untreated mice. In particular, CD4+, CD11b+, and CD11c+ cells were present in Tenon's layer; and C3 and immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM were seen in the anterior sclera in contact with the ciliary body. In the cornea, CD31 and LYVE-1 expression was increased compared to untreated mice; and infiltration of CD4+, CD11b+, and CD11c+ cells was present.
Conclusions:
With enhanced immunization in a collagen-induced anterior scleritis model, infiltration of T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells was seen not only in the sclera, but also in the cornea; and blood and lymphatic vessels were increased.
Keywords: 432 autoimmune disease •
708 sclera •
746 uveitis-clinical/animal model