Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To explore the role of complement and complement regulatory proteins in experimental autoimmune anterior uveitis (EAAU). Methods: The role of the complement regulatory proteins in EAAU was explored using monoclonal antibodies against rat Crry and CD59. EAAU was induced in two panels of Lewis rats (n=6) by immunization with bovine melanin associated antigen (MAA). In the experimental panel, monoclonal antibody against rat Crry (125ug) or CD59 (250ug) was given on days 9 and 14 post-immunization. Controls were injected with an equal amount of isotype control mouse IgG. Clinical and histopathological examination was used to determine the onset and severity of disease. Lewis rats were sacrificed at three clinical stages of the disease: onset, peak and resolution of ocular inflammation. Results: EAAU started 2 days earlier in antibody injected animals compared to controls. Additionally, the duration of the illness and severity of the disease was dramatically increased in rats treated with monoclonal antibodies for Crry or CD59 compared to controls. The destruction of autologous ocular tissue was also observed in the antibody treated animals; while no damage was observed in the controls. Conclusion: Complement activation is an important component of ocular autoimmunity in EAAU. Furthermore, complement regulatory proteins protect the eye from complement mediated damage during autoimmune uveitis.
Keywords: 612 uveitis-clinical/animal model • 437 inflammation • 435 immunomodulation/immunoregulation