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

ABSTRACT

We investigated the kinetics of multiple cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in experimental uveitis induced by bovine melanin protein (BMP) for the proper treatment of uveitis. Experimental uveitis was induced in male Lewis rats by injection of BMP. The levels of various inflammatory cytokines and iNOS mRNAs were semiquantified by the reverse-transcriptase reaction followed by PCR. The uveitis was started to develop at approximately day 14 and peaked around 21 days after immunization. The signs of uveitis disappeared by 4 weeks after immunization. When the inflammation was severest, TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha, IL-10, IFN-gamma and iNOS mRNA increased to their peak, which varied with the degree of induction and different time course. We concluded that both cytokines and iNOS might modulate the inflammation at different states of experimental melanin-protein-induced uveitis. Their combination will be necessary for an effective treatment of inflammation.