title: Immunocytochemical analysis of contact lens surface deposits in transmission electron microscopy.
abstract: We studied 8 soft contact lenses from asymptomatic wearers by means of an immunocytochemical method, in transmission electron microscopy. In particular, the presence of IgA, IgG, IgE, Clq complement fraction within the surface deposits was analyzed. All the lenses were found positive for the immunoglobulins and the Clq, being the tarsal side more heavily coated than the corneal one. IgA was the predominant Ig, followed by IgG, IgE, and Clq in this descending order. New, never worn lenses were found completely negative for any of the proteins under investigation. We conclude that the Igs come from the tear fluid and speculate about the Clq as a possible sign of involvement of the host immuno-defense mechanism against the prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Versura
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Maltarello
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Caramazza
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Laschi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003166:Complement Activating Enzymes / Q000032:analysis*; D003172:Complement C1 / Q000032:analysis*; D015922:Complement C1q; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013666:Tears / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D003172:Complement C1; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D015922:Complement C1q; D003166:Complement Activating Enzymes