Polymorphonuclear leukocyte kinetics in experimentally induced keratitis
M. J. Chusid and S. D. Davis
The movement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) into inflamed corneas
was studied using a quantitative technique to measure PMNL chemotaxis in
vivo. Our studies suggested that, in this model, most PMNLs enter the
cornea through limbal vessels. A variety of bacterial agents, including
viable bacteria, killed bacteria, culture filtrates, and endotoxin, were
found to induce a significant corneal inflammatory response. Of the agents
tested, viable Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced greatest inflammation. Host
factors (serum, PMNLs) also induced movement of PMNLs into corneas, but
only after preincubation with activating agents. Normal serum, resting
PMNLs, and PMNL lysates derived from resting cells did not promote PMNL
corneal ingress. These studies provide further insight into the movement of
PMNLs into the inflamed cornea and information that may be of use in
developing techniques to inhibit the corneal inflammatory response.
