Abstract
Purpose: :
In animal models the secretion of transforming growth factor–ß2 (TGF–ß2) into the aqueous was identified to be important for the maintenance of the immunogical privilege. Levels of total TGF–ß2, however, were similar in eyes without penetrating keratoplasty (PK) as well as in eyes without and with immune reactions following PK. In this study, the hypothesis was tested that active TGF–ß2 is abased in eyes with immune reactions following PK.
Methods: :
Anterior chamber puncture was performed in 39 cataract patients without PK (group I), in 9 patients without immune reactions following PK (group II) and in 12 patients following PK with newly diagnosed endothelial immune reactions (group III). Determination of active TGF–ß2 via ELISA was started within 3 h after puncture in all samples.
Results: :
Average active TGF–ß2 concentration was 38.8 ±24.8 pg/mL(median 40.9 pg/mL) in group I, 47.4 ±23.1 pg/mL (median 45.5 pg/mL) in group II and 10.6 ±24.0 pg/mL (median 0 pg/mL) in group III. The differences between the groups I and III (P<0.002) and groups II and III (P<0.003) were statistically significant.
Conclusions: :
The lowest levels of active TGF–ß2 were measured in eyes with immune reactions. This suggests a protective effect of TGF–ß2. Further (prospective) studies are currently being performed to find out if active TGF–ß2 – determined prior to PK – might serve as a predictive parameter for immune reactions.
Keywords: transplantation • immune tolerance/privilege • cornea: basic science