Purpose.
To investigate an immunopathogenesis of central and paracentral corneal ulceration associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods.
Sparse infiltrating cells in the ulcer area were identified by immunohistochemistry applied to archived formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissues that had been recovered from patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty necessitated by rheumatoid associated central or paracentral corneal ulceration.
Results
Clinically the ulcers presented as noninfiltrated lesions with a modicum of other ocular inflammation. Sparse T lymphocytes were consistently identified in the subepithelial areas adjacent to the ulcer, with some neutrophils and macrophages in the stroma. B lymphocytes were not detected. MHC Class II antigens reactivity was noted on some infiltrating cells and on corneal endothelium of 2 specimens.
Conclusion
Immunohistochemistry of archival tissue facilitated detection and identification of sparse infiltrate into this infrequent corneal melting. Selective, consistent finding of T lymphocyte infiltration in the ulcer area supports an immunopathogenesis of this clinical entity.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.