[Interdependency between titers of aniretinal antibodies and selected immune system parameters in serum of patients with endogenous posterior uveitis].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate serum antiretinal antibodies and selected immune system activity parameters in patients with endogenous posterior uveitis.


METHODS
50 patients--29 women (58%) and 21 men (42%)--aged 15-70 with idiopathic posterior uveitis were examined. Intraocular inflammation intensity was scored on standard uveitis grading system prepared by BenEzra et al. In all cases selected parameters of serum immune system activity--immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE, complement proteins: C3c, C4, circulating immune complexes (CIC) and autoantibodies: ANA, ANCA, ACA, were detected. The serum levels of ARA were determined by indirect immunofluorescence test on normal monkey retina as a substrate and FITC-labelled anti-human IgA, IgG, IgM serum (Euroimmun, Germany). All immune system parameters were assessed in active stage of the disease and 1, 3, 6, 12 months after the beginning of immunosuppressive therapy.


RESULTS
In 38 patients (76%) non specific abnormalities of serum immune system activity parameters were found. During the follow-up period the changes in serum concentrations of immune system parameters were not statistically significant. Before treatment ARA were present in serum of 40 patients (80%). The distinct decreasing of serum ARA levels was present during the whole time of observation. The statistical analysis did not show any correlation between the serum concentration of selected immune system parameters and ARA. However, the presence of two various tendencies between ARA and CIC serum levels co-fluctuations were observed. In subjects with absence or low CIC serum concentrations, high serum ARA levels were found and the uveitis was severe. In cases with high CIC serum concentrations, low ARA levels were present and the disease course was mild.


CONCLUSIONS
The interdependency between CIC and ARA has probably an essential role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic posterior uveitis.
Kubicka-Trzaska
A
A
Katedra i Klinika Okulistyki Collegium Medicum UJ ul. Kopernika 38 31-501 Kraków.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012160:Retina / Q000276:immunology*; D015866:Uveitis, Posterior / Q000276:immunology*
D000906:Antibodies; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007136:Immunoglobulins