CHEMOTACTIC FACTORS IN ANIMAL MODELS OF UVEITIS

A cellular infiltrate is characteristic of anterior uveitis. Although
these cells presumably contribute directly to the inflammatory process,
little is known about what attracts these cells into the uveal tract.
Monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes are known to migrate in response
to discrete chemical stimuli known as chemotactic factors. Preliminary
work indicates that chemotactic activity is present in aqueous humor from
animals and patients with active uveitis. Chemotactic activity will be
analyzed in seven different animal models of anterior uveitis. Specific
aims will be to 1) characterize and contrast aqueous humor chemotactic
factors from these seven models; 2) quantitate chemotactic activity and
correlate this with aqueous humor cell count; 3) test partially purified
chemotactic factors from aqueous humor for their activity in vivo; 4)
assess the effect of time on chemotactic activity in examples of sustained
inflammation; 5) identify the cellular or tissue origin of chemotactic
activity; and 6) study the effect of medications on aqueous humor
chemotactic activity. The results of these studies may clarify the pathogenesis of a group of
diseases of largely uncertain etiology.