title: Immunohistochemical study of the local inflammatory response to chlamydial ocular infection.
abstract: Immunohistochemical staining of conjunctival biopsies from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) was performed after they received a single primary ocular infection, a single secondary challenge infection, or repeated ocular inoculations with Chlamydia trachomatis. T cells of the suppressor/cytotoxic (OKT8F) phenotype predominated regardless of the infection protocol, and perifollicular T lymphocytes of both the suppressor/cytotoxic and helper (OKT4A) phenotypes appeared in large numbers during the peak inflammatory reaction. In repeatedly inoculated monkeys, T cells and follicles persisted until cessation of reinfection. IgM-bearing B lymphocytes comprised the majority of cells within follicles, with smaller numbers of IgG- or IgA-positive B cells. The major difference in the response to the various infection protocols was the increased number and persistence of follicles with repeated reinoculation. The finding of large numbers of T-suppressor/cytotoxic and T-helper cells in the infected conjunctiva supports a role for cell-mediated immunity in the local response to C. trachomatis ocular infection.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology; D001706:Biopsy; D002690:Chlamydia Infections; D002908:Chronic Disease; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007120:Immunochemistry; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D008297:Male; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins