"High endothelial venules": expression kinetic in IRBP-induced EAU

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is a T-cell-mediated disease expressi ng high endothelial venules (HEVs) in the retina. HEVs could be responsable for the absorption of activated T-cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetics of HEV expression in the murine IRBP (interphotore ceptor retinoid binding protein) induced EAU. Methods: B10.A mice were immunized sub-cutanously with IRBP. The eyes were analysed on days 10, 18, 24 and 28 (n = 5 for each time point). While HEVs were identified with the mAb MECA 325. the control mAb MECA 20 stained all endothelial cells. Results: HEVs were detectable in the intact retina from day 10. Presence of HEVs peaked on day 18 and decreased by day 28, when maximal inflammation a nd retinal destruction was detectable. Conclusion: HEV expression could play a central role in the onset of EAU, a llowing homing and migration of inflammatory cells into the eye.