Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Jul 2009
Immunologic mechanisms of corneal allografts reconstituted from cultured allogeneic endothelial cells in an immune-privileged site.
To analyze outcomes and immunologic features after cultured corneal endothelial cell (CEC) transplantation in a murine model. ⋯ These findings indicate that immunologic ignorance rather than active immunosuppression is important for the rejection-free acceptance of chimeric CEC allografts. Transplantation of corneal grafts formed with allogeneic CECs could be an ideal treatment strategy to overcome postoperative rejection.
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Jul 2009
Expression and modulation of RPE cell membrane complement regulatory proteins.
Complement, inflammation, and oxidant injury contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Membrane complement regulatory proteins (mCRPs) such as CD46, CD55, and CD59, protect host cells from complement attack. The factors that regulate RPE mCRP expression are not well understood. In this study, the authors sought to determine whether cytokines and hydroquinone (HQ) affect mCRP expression in cultured human RPE (hRPE) and cultured mouse RPE (mRPE) cells. ⋯ Human and mouse RPE cell mCRPs are upregulated by inflammatory cytokines and repetitive nonlethal oxidant exposure in a species-specific manner. Increased cell mCRPs may help to protect RPE cells from complement- and oxidant-mediated injury in diseases such as AMD.
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · May 2009
The effects of 5-fluorouracil on ocular tissues in vitro and in vivo after controlled release from a multifunctional implant.
To evaluate the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on ocular cells in vitro and the effects of degradable 5-FU-loaded poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide; PDLGA) 50:50 implant in the rabbit eye in vivo. ⋯ 5-FU had a broad therapeutic range, and the 5-FU implant showed only minor tissue reactions in conjunctiva at the surgical site. 5-FU is a possible candidate for controlled drug release.
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · May 2009
MHC-matched corneal allograft rejection in an IFN-gamma/IL-17-independent manner in C57BL/6 mice.
It has been widely accepted that Th1- and IFN-gamma-mediated immune responses are indispensable for corneal allograft rejection in BALB/c hosts. The present study was designed to determine the role of IFN-gamma and IL-17 in the rejection by C57BL/6 hosts, which display high rejection rates. ⋯ IFN-gamma and IL-17 play no critical role in the development of minor-specific allograft rejection in C57BL/6 mice. This indicates the presence of sophisticated rejection mechanisms that are still elusive and cannot be ascribed simply to Th1, -2, or -17.
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Apr 2009
Family caregiver social problem-solving abilities and adjustment to caring for a relative with vision loss.
To examine the prevalence of persons at risk for depression among family caregivers of visually impaired persons and the extent to which social problem-solving abilities are associated with caregiver depressive symptomatology and life satisfaction. ⋯ A substantial number of caregivers of visually impaired adults experience psychosocial distress, particularly among those who possess poor social problem-solving abilities. These results underscore the need for routine screening and treatment of emotional distress among individuals caring for relatives with vision impairments. Future research should examine the extent to which psychosocial interventions targeting caregiver social problem-solving skills may be useful not only in improving caregiver quality of life but also in subsequently enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for the visually impaired care recipient.