Author: Atsuki Fukushima

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, Volume 1, Number 1, January 2005 , pp. 85-91(7)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Eosinophils are major effector cells for the development of severe allergic conjunctival diseases (ACD), such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Recruitment of eosinophils into the conjunctiva is mediated by chemokines and cytokines. In this review, using an animal model for ACD (experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis, EC), the roles of cytokines for eosinophil infiltration into the conjunctiva are presented. Using cytokine knockout mice, importance of endogenous IL-4 for eosinophil infiltration was confirmed. In contrast, endogenous IFN- was identified to be inhibitory for eosinophil infiltration. When EC was induced by transfer of in vitro-stimulated antigen (Ag)-primed lymphocytes, then the addition of IL-4 to the culture augmented eosinophil infiltration. Systemic administration of IFN- suppressed EC only when IFN- was injected during the induction phase. Concerning cytokines in the conjunctiva, expression of Th1 cytokines increased timedependently, whereas that of Th2 cytokines peaked at 12 hours after Ag challenge. In accord with the data, macrophage infiltration increased in a time-dependent manner, while eosinophil infiltration peaked at 12 hours. Subconjunctival injection of IL-4, as well as eotaxin, induced eosinophil infiltration into the conjunctiva. This IL- 4-induced eosinophil infiltration was inhibited by co-injection of IFN-. Taken altogether, both systemic and local IL-4 is important for eosinophil infiltration into the conjunctiva and is regulated by IFN-.

Keywords: allergic conjunctival diseases; papillae; fibroblasts; autoimmune diseases; short ragweed pollen

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1573412052953355

Affiliations: 1: Department of Ophthalmology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kohasu, Okocho, Nankoku-city 783-8505, Japan.

Publication date: 2005-01-01

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• Current Pharmaceutical Analysis publishes authoritative reviews, written by experts in the field on all the most recent advances in pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. All aspects of the field are represented including drug analysis, analytical methodology and instrumentation. The journal is essential to all involved in pharmaceutical, biochemical and clinical analysis.

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