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.


METHODS
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).


METHODS
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.
Rocha
G
G
Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montreal, Que.
Duclos
A
A
Chalifour
L E
LE
Baines
M G
MG
Antecka
E
E
Deschênes
J
J
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics*; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology*; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D007498:Iris / Q000378:metabolism; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D011817:Rabbits; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D014605:Uveitis / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D016207:Cytokines; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger