CYTOKINE EXPRESSION IN THE ALKALI-BURNED CORNEA

Purpose. This study investigated the cytokine expression profile in al kali-burned mouse corneas, in order to elucidate the mechanisms of cor neal damage and repair. Methods. The cytokines expressed in alkali-bur ned corneas were identified by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the n quantitated using ELISA. Based on the ELISA results, immunohistochem ical analyses were performed to localize cytokine expression. Results. Among the ten cytokines examined, IL-1 (IL-1 beta), IL-6, IL-10 and T NF-alpha mRNA were expressed in alkali-burned corneas. Quantitation re vealed that IL-1 alpha and IL-6 were strongly induced in the early sta ges of alkali burn, peak production of IL-1 alpha (53.2 pg/cornea) and IL-6 (23.6 pg/cornea) occurring at days 3 and 7, respectively, The pr oduction of IL-10 and TNF-alpha. was not significantly elevated during the 42 day period after burn. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed t hat both IL-1 alpha and IL-6 were mainly localized in regenerating epi thelial basal cells. Conclusions. IL-1 alpha and IL-6 levels in the co rnea are dramatically elevated in the regenerated epithelium during th e early stages of alkali bust, and may play an important role in assoc iated corneal damage and repair.