Detection of mRNA for the cytokines, interleukin-1α and interleukin-8, in corneas from patients with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy

Purpose. Cytokines have been implicated in corneal inflammatory diseases. The authors sought to determine if corneal diseases with different patterns of inflammation are accompanied by characteristic patterns of cytokine expression. Methods. The authors used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to detect mRNA for 12 specific cytokines from patients with Fuch's dystrophy (n = 7), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (n = 12), or normal corneas (n = 4). Results. Using Wilcoxon rank sum analysis, mRNA for interleukin (IL)-1α or IL-8 was significantly more abundant in corneas from patients with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy relative to either comparison group. mRNA for the T-cell marker, CD4, and for T-cell derived cytokines, IL- 2, IL-4, and interferon γ, could not be detected in any corneal sample. Message for IL-1 receptor antagonist and transforming growth factor-β₁ or - β₂ was readily detectable in most corneas regardless of diagnosis. Conclusion. The findings indicate that the pattern of cytokine mRNA expression reflects differences in the pathogenesis of these corneal diseases.