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Abstract #8871 Published in IGR 5-2
Macrophages and MHC class II positive dendritiform cells in the iris and choroid of the pig
Chen L; Zwart R; Yang P; Kijlstra ACurrent Eye Research 2003; 26: 291-296
PURPOSE: Macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) are considered to play an important role in the initiation and propagation of uveitis. Little is known about these cells in the normal porcine uveal tract, despite the fact that porcine eyes share many similarities with human eyes and are considered to be a suitable species to investigate the pathogenesis of human ocular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of immunocompetent cells in the uveal tract of normal pigs. METHODS: Iris and choroid wholemounts and cryostat sections were obtained from normal porcine eyes. Single and double immunohistochemistry was performed by using anti-porcine leukocyte (CD45), anti-porcine macrophage (CD163, CD14), anti-porcine MHC class II (MCA1335), anti-human MHC class II (MCA379G), anti-porcine B lymphocyte (IgM), anti-porcine T lymphocyte (CD6) and anti-porcine granulocyte (MCA1219) monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: A rich network of dendritiform CD163 positive tissue macrophages was observed in normal porcine iris and choroid whole mounts (368 + 84/mm2, 402 + 97/mm2, respectively). Approximately 50% of the CD163 positive tissue macrophages in the iris co-expressed MHC class II. Double immunostaining revealed that a small population of MHC class II positive cells did not express macrophage markers, and probably represents classical DCs. B lymphocytes and granulocytes were not detected in iris and choroid whole mounts. Occasional T cells were observed per high power field in iris whole mounts, but not in the choroid. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals that the normal porcine uveal tract contains a rich network of tissue macrophages and MHC class II positive dendritiform cells. At least three populations could be distinguished: MHC class II positive and negative tissue macrophages and MHC class II + dendritiform cells lacking in tissue macrophage markers.
Dr. L. Chen, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
Classification:
2.8 Iris (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
2.12 Choroid, peripapillary choroid, peripapillary atrophy (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
3.3 Immunohistochemistry (Part of: 3 Laboratory methods)
5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models