Cannabinoids receptors and inflammatory markers characterization in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU)
Purpose
To study the cannabinoid system in the posterior segment of the eye in response intraocular inflammation (IOI). Pave the way to a new cannabinoid based therapeutic option in the clinical setting.
Methods
EAU was induced in 74 C57BL/6J mice using uveitogenic 161-180 amino acid fraction of human intra retinal binding protein. Clinical and histopathological grading were performed on days 4, 10, 17, 21, 24 post induction, using indirect ophthalmoscopy and H&E staining. CD4+ T Cells, CB1 and CB2 receptors were stained with immunofluorescence in ocular sections and retinal flat mounts. Retinal Gene expression using RT-PCR of CB1R and CB2R and cytokines IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, TNFα, TGFβ, INFγ, NFkB, were evaluated by TaqMan assay.
Results
60 out of 74 (81%) EAU induced mice developed IOI. Clinical signs appeared at 10 days and peaked at days 17 to 21 post EAU induction. Flat mounts showed CB2R was present in control retinas and increased in days 10 and 17.
CD4+ cells peaked at days 17-21.
CB1R was found mainly in retinal nerve fiber and RGC layers in control and EAU retinas. RNA expression of CB1R remained similar at all time points.
CB2R expression appeared on day 4 and peaked late at day 21.
Acute phase cytokines, IL-1, IL-6 and TNFα peaked at day 10 and decreased at day 21.
Inhibitory and regulatory cytokines, IL-10 and TGFβ increased at a late phase on days 10-17 and peaked in day 21.
Conclusion
CB1R remained unaffected by IOI in EAU. Expression of CB2R and inflammatory cytokines correlated with IOI. CB2R increases early during IOI, and may have a regulatory role, parallel to IL-10. These preliminary results may pave our way to study possible effects of cannabinoids on IOI.
Conflict of interest
No
Authors 1
Last name
BEN-DAVID
Initials of first name(s)
G.
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center
City
Petah Tikva
Country
Israel
Authors 2
Last name
Nisgav
Initials of first name(s)
Y.
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center
City
Petah Tikva
Country
Israel
Authors 3
Last name
Weinberger
Initials of first name(s)
Y.
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center
City
Petah Tikva
Country
Israel
Authors 4
Last name
Kramer
Initials of first name(s)
M.
Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center
City
Petah Tikva
Country
Israel
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more