Analysis of gene expression during experimental uveitis in the rabbit.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the pattern of gene expression at the messenger RNA level during ocular inflammation in the rabbit.

DESIGN

A gene screen assay was used to quantify specific binding over background (expression index) of various activation markers and cytokines in rabbit iris-ciliary body obtained during active experimental uveitis induced by injection of porcine lens protein (two animals) and in a control group (two animals).

OUTCOME MEASURES: Expression indices corresponding to the activation markers and cytokines assayed.

RESULTS

Compared with the control eyes, analysis of triplicate samples from the inflamed eyes showed a significantly higher expression index corresponding to the proto-oncogenes c-fos, c-jun and Ha-ras, interleukin-2 and heat shock protein Hsp27 and a significantly lower index corresponding to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Active experimental lens-induced uveitis is associated with a significant rise in the gene expression of cellular activation factors and a decrease in an immunoprotective factor (TGF-beta) in the iris and ciliary body of the rabbit.