Endotoxin, a major component of the outer cell wall of gram negative bacteria, induces acute onset anterior uveitis, similar to that seen in humans with HLA-B27 when it is injected subcutaneously into rodents. To clarify the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced uveitis and relate it to HLA-B27-associated disease, the investigators plan to: (1) use mice with genetic alterations rendering them unable to elaborate specific cytokines or functional cytokine receptors as a means of defining the role of these cytokines in response to endotoxin-induced eye inflammation; (2) use mice with genetic deficiencies in specific adhesion molecules to define the role of these ligands in endotoxin-induced uveitis; (3) use rats raised in a sterile environment to determine if the lesser degrees of endotoxin-induced uveitis seen with progressive age results from chronic exposure to endotoxins; and (4) characterize a newly-described rat model of HLA-B27-associated uveitis subsequent to challenge with live Salmonella or Yersinia. This characterization of uveitis in transgenic HLA-B27 rats will permit studies on the relationship between HLA-B27, gram negative bacteria, and iritis. When taken together, the specific aims are designed to help clarify the pathogenesis of the anterior uveitis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY006477-16
Application #
6178393
Study Section
Visual Sciences C Study Section (VISC)
Program Officer
Liberman, Ellen S
Project Start
1985-09-30
Project End
2002-08-31
Budget Start
2000-09-01
Budget End
2002-08-31
Support Year
16
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$306,742
Indirect Cost
Name
Oregon Health and Science University
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
096997515
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97239