Abstract
Purpose: :
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases vascular permeability and may contribute to the formation of central macular edema in posterior uveitis. On the other hand, aquapolin 4 (AQP4), which is a water ion channel, may play an important role in water movement across the retina. In the present study, we examined VEGF and AQP4 expression in experimental autoimmunue uveoretinitis (EAU).
Methods: :
EAU was induced in Lewis rats with S antigen. The eyes were removed 14 days after immunization. Retinas were labeled with antibodies to VEGF, AQP4, vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein.
Results: :
VEGF expression was induced in astrocytes and Müller cells in EAU, although VEGF was not expressed in normal retina. AQP4 expression was observed in astrocytes and Müller cells in normal retina. The expression was not changed after the onset of EAU.
Conclusions: :
These results suggest that induction of VEGF expression in retinal glial cells increases vascular permeability and contributes to central macular edema formation in posterior uveitis.
Keywords: uveitis-clinical/animal model • growth factors/growth factor receptors • retinal glia