Role of free radicals in uveitis.
In acute inflammation, the tissue damage is generally mediated through polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages. Recent studies on the mechanism of this leukocyte-mediated cytolysis have demonstrated that these cells, on stimulation, release a variety of reactive products. These metabolic products consist of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, which in turn can form highly reactive species such as hydroxyl radicals. It is believed that these oxygen products play an important role in the tissue damage that occurs in inflammations such as uveitis. The ocular structures contain various antioxidant enzymes that normally protect against free radical mediated injury. In experimental animal models of uveitis, it has been shown that antioxidants and free radical scavengers can function as antiinflammatory agents and can protect the eye from inflammation-mediated tissue damage.
Rao
N A
NA
Department of Ophthalmology, Estelle Doheny Eye Foundation, Los Angeles, California.
Romero
J L
JL
Fernandez
M A
MA
Sevanian
A
A
Marak
G E
GE
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000009:adverse effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D006878:Hydroxides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D006997:Hypochlorous Acid / Q000009:adverse effects; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000009:adverse effects; D013481:Superoxides / Q000009:adverse effects; D014605:Uveitis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D005609:Free Radicals; D006878:Hydroxides; D013481:Superoxides; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D006997:Hypochlorous Acid; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases