Effects of triamcinolone acetonide on microglial morphology and quantitative expression of MHC-II in exudative age-related macular degeneration

Animal models, in vitro assays and pilot clinical studies suggest that intr avitreal triamcinolone acetonide may be useful in the treatment of age-rela ted macular degeneration. The present case study reports the effect of intr avitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection on a subretinal neovascular lesi on, microglial morphology and quantitative expression of MHC-II antigens. T riamcinolone acetonide significantly decreased MHC-II expression consistent with immunocytochemical observations which revealed condensed microglial m orphology. The modulation of subretinal oedema and microglial morphology co rrelates with in vitro observations suggesting that downregulation of infla mmatory markers and endothelial cell permeability are significant features of the mode of action of triamcinolone acetonide.