Rozina Noristani

Simultaneous Complement Response via Lectin Pathway in Retina and Optic Nerve in an Experimental Autoimmune Glaucoma Model

Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease and especially mechanisms occurring independently from an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) are still unknown. Likely, the immune system contributes to the glaucoma pathogenesis. Previously, IgG antibody depositions and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss were found in an IOP-independent autoimmune glaucoma model. Therefore, we investigated the possible participation of the complement system in this model. Here, rats were immunized with bovine optic nerve homogenate antigen (ONA), while controls (Co) received sodium chloride (n = 5–6/group). After 14 days, RGC density was quantified on flatmounts. No changes in the number of RGCs could be observed at this point in time. Longitudinal optic nerve sections were stained against the myelin basic protein (MBP). We could note few signs of degeneration processes. In order to detect distinct complement components, retinas and optic nerves were labeled with complement markers at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days and analyzed. Significantly more C3 and MAC depositions were found in retinas and optic nerves of the ONA group. These were already present at day 7, before RGC loss and demyelination occurred. Additionally, an upregulation of C3 protein was noted via Western Blot at this time. After 14 days, quantitative real-time PCR revealed significantly more C3 mRNA in the ONA retinas. An upregulation of the lectin pathway-associated mannose-serine-protease-2 (MASP2) was observed in the retinas as well as in the optic nerves of the ONA group after 7 days. Significantly more MASP2 in retinas could also be observed via Western Blot analyses at this point in time. No effect was noted in regard to C1q. Therefore, we assume that the immunization led to an activation of the complement system via the lectin pathway in retinas and optic nerves at an early stage in this glaucoma model. This activation seems to be an early response, which then triggers degeneration. These findings can help to develop novel therapy strategies for glaucoma patients.

Cataract formation after YAG laser vitreolysis: importance of femtosecond laser anterior capsulotomies in perforated posterior capsules.

Purpose To report a patient who developed a white cataract after Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis with a posterior capsule defect. Methods Femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy was performed for optic capture fixation in a patient with a cataract due to a posterior capsule defect after Nd:YAG laser-vitreolysis. Results A 55-year-old, highly myopic woman presented with visual impairment 4 days after Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis due to preexisting floaters. The slit-lamp examination showed a mature white cataract; therefore, the intactness of the posterior capsule could not be judged. The patient underwent cataract surgery with femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy. Intraoperatively, a highly disrupted posterior capsule was observed. Intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted into the ciliary sulcus and the anterior circular and centered capsulotomy was used for posterior optic capture fixation. Then vitrectomy was performed. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Conclusions YAG laser vitreolysis presents a new and promising therapeutic approach for floaters. However, the complications are unknown. We describe the induction of cataract as a major complication. Furthermore, the femtosecond laser can ensure a circular and complete anterior capsulotomy, which is essential for optic capture fixation in these cases.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery After Radial Keratotomy.

PURPOSE To determine the efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in eyes with radial keratometry. METHODS Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was performed in 3 patients (6 eyes) who had six to eight radial keratotomy incisions. RESULTS In all cases, the anterior segment of the eye was visualized with integrated three-dimensional optical coherence tomography and it was possible to position the laser corneal incisions between the radial keratotomy incisions. No intraoperative complications occurred. In particular, no corneal perforation, anterior capsular tears, or discontinuities could be detected. No corneal leakage or other postoperative complications were noted on follow-up after 6 weeks and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery presents a new, feasible, and safe surgical technique for patients with cataract who had previous radial keratotomy. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(6):426-428.].

Systemic ocular antigen immunization leads only to a minor secondary immune response

The immunization with optic nerve homogenate antigen (ONA) or S100 induced retinal degeneration. Since many neurological diseases are reinforced or initiated by immune cells, leucocytes were analyzed. CD3(+) T-cells in the retina increased slightly in ONA rats, but not in S100 treated retinas. No CD45R(+) B-cells and granulocytes could be detected in the retinas. At early stages, CD3(+) cells, Iba1(+) macrophages and granulocytes of the secondary lymphoid organs were not affected. Yet, the sole injection of pertussis toxin led to a shift to fewer CD45R(+) cells and more granulocytes in spleens. Later, splenic Iba1(+) macrophages were increased in both groups. We conclude that the retinal infiltration of lymphocytes is not crucial for the degeneration process and rather an epiphenomenon.