The expression of multiple cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase in experimental melanin-protein-induced uveitis

We investigated the kinetics of multiple cytokines and inducible nitric oxi de synthase (iNOS) in experimental uveitis induced by bovine melanin protei n (BMP) for the proper treatment of uveitis. Experimental uveitis was induc ed in male Lewis rats by injection of BMP. The levels of various inflammato ry cytokines and iNOS mRNAs were semiquantified by the reverse-transcriptas e reaction followed by PCR. The uveitis was started to develop at approxima tely day 14 and peaked around 21 days after immunization. The signs of uvei tis disappeared by 4 weeks after immunization. When the inflammation was se verest, TNF-alpha, IL-1 alpha, IL-10, IFN-gamma and iNOS mRNA increased to their peak, which varied with the degree of induction and different time co urse. We concluded that both cytokines and iNOS might modulate the inflamma tion at different states of experimental melanin-protein-induced uveitis. T heir combination will be necessary for an effective treatment of inflammati on. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.