ISSN:
1435-702X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract • Background: Macrophages play an important role in several ocular diseases. Because macrophages localized in ocular tissues may be derived from blood monocytes, the effect of vitreous [containing transforming growth factor-β 2 (TGF-β2) and hyaluronic acid] on blood monocytes, maturating in the tissue to macrophages, was determined. • Methods: Human monocytes were cultured with and without vitreous in RPMI 1640 medium containing human AB serum. As a parameter of activation the release of interleukin-6 was measured by the B9 bioassay; as an indication of maturation, the content of acid phosphatase and the increase in cell size were assessed. • Results: Monocytes in vitreous-containing medium grew more slowly than did control monocytes. Monocytes cultured in 10% vitreous released 51% less, and in 20% vitreous 73% less, interleukin-6 than control monocytes. Vitreous at 20% significantly (P=.0075) reduced the amount of acid phosphatase by 80% over a 4-day culture period. This reduction was partially eliminated with neutralizing antibodies to TGF-β (P=0.0014). Furthermore, human recombinant TGF-β2 increased the activity of acid phosphatase in monocytes at 1.25 ng/ml and reduced it (P〈0.0001) at higher concentrations (5–10 ng/ml). Hyaluronic acid showed an effect additive to that of TGF-β in further diminishing the amount of acid phosphatase (P=0.026). • Conclusion: Vitreous exerts a regulatory effect on monocyte activation and maturation by its content of TGF-β and possibly hyaluronic acid and may, thus, modify the inflammatory or immune response in the eye.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00185298
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