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Adhesion molecule expression in local-macrophage-depleted rats bearing orthotopic corneal allografts

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Abstract

Background

Rejection of corneal grafts is dependent on influx of T lymphocytes and macrophages. This process is partly regulated by adhesion molecules. Earlier investigations showed that corneal graft rejection in rats could be prevented by clodronate liposomes that selectively eliminate macrophages. In the present study the effect of macrophage depletion on adhesion molecule expression after corneal allotransplantation was investigated.

Methods

Orthotopic corneal allografts were performed, after which rats received subconjunctival injections with clodronate liposomes or remained untreated. On various postoperative days, grafted rats were killed and mid-eye sections were stained for expression of ICAM-1 (CD54) and β2-integrins (CD18 and CD11b/c).

Results

In the clodronate liposome-treated group grafts were not rejected, while in untreated rats grafts had a mean survival time of 12 days. During the first postoperative days a slightly enhanced expression of ICAM-1 in the conjunctiva and allografted cornea of clodronate liposome-treated recipients was seen. On day 12, however, ICAM-1 expression was markedly downregulated in the allografts of this treated group. The expression of β2-integrins was also significantly decreased in the allografts and recipient corneas of treated rats at this time point.

Conclusion

Prolonged corneal graft survival in rats, obtained via local depletion of macrophages, correlates with diminished expression of adhesion molecules.

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Acknowledgements

T.P.A.M. Slegers, G. van der Veen, and L.J.A. Hermans were supported by Haagsch Oogheelkundig Fonds, Hoornvlies Stichting Nederland and Rotterdamse Vereniging voor Blindenbelangen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB , Groningen, The Netherlands

    Tanja P. A. M. Slegers

  2. The Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Tanja P. A. M. Slegers, Gerard van der Veen, L. Joep A. Hermans, Lidy Broersma & Ruth van der Gaag

  3. Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Tanja P. A. M. Slegers & Gerard van der Veen

  4. Department of Ophthalmology, Vrije Universiteit Medisch Centrum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    L. Joep A. Hermans & Hendrika J. Völker-Dieben

  5. Department of Cell Biology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Nico van Rooijen

  6. Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    Gabriel van Rij

Authors
  1. Tanja P. A. M. Slegers
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  2. Gerard van der Veen
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  8. Ruth van der Gaag
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Correspondence to Tanja P. A. M. Slegers.

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Slegers, T.P.A.M., van der Veen, G., Hermans, L.J.A. et al. Adhesion molecule expression in local-macrophage-depleted rats bearing orthotopic corneal allografts. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 241, 432–438 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-003-0665-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-003-0665-1

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