[Immunologic experimental studies on the alkali burn of cornea in rats].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the immune reaction of severe corneal alkali burns.


METHODS
The models of severe corneal alkali burns were induced in rats. Immunohistochemistry was carried out on wholemounts of the cornea and iris at different time points after corneal burns to detect T-lymphocytes and their subpopulation, macrophages, dendritic cells and MHC class II -positive cells.


RESULTS
In the early stage of the burns, there were small increasing number of T-lymphocytes and MHC class II-positive cells in the cornea and iris. At the period of corneal melting and perforation, a massive influx of lymphocytes (CD(+)(3), CD(+)(4), CD(+)(8)), macrophages and dendritic cells was seen in the cornea adjacent to the limbus and iris. CD(+)(4) lymphocytes were much more than CD(+)(8) in number. T-cells and MHC class II-positive cells were observed not only at the limbus but also in the melting area and corneal center. Morphological changes of these cells were also noted. In the restoration stage, a number of positive cells were still found in the iris.


CONCLUSIONS
Immunological mechanism is involved in the pathological changes of the damage induced by corneal alkali burns, especially in the pathogenesis of the corneal melting and perforation.
Zhao
M
M
Department of Ophthalmology, First Teaching Hospital, Chongqing University of Medical Sciences, Chongqing 400016, China. minzhao@pubic.cta.cq.cn
Chen
J
J
Yang
P
P
D000468:Alkalies; D000818:Animals; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D000468:Alkalies; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II