Objective To observe the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), its tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and contents of nitric oxide (NO) in the ocular tissues of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with endotoxin induced uveitis(EIU). Methods Ninety SD rats were randomly divided into experimental (81 rats) and control group (9 rats). The model of EIU was induced in rats in experimental group by injecting with lipoplysaccharide (LPS) 200 μl into the hind feet pads, while the rats in the control group were not injected. Nine rats were executed 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, 72, 96 hours and 7 days, respectively, after injecting with LPS; the NO content and concentration of protein in the aqueous humor in blood plasma, aqueous humor, and uveal tissues were detected. The expressions of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and iNOS in the ocular tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the average absorbance (A) value was evaluated by computer medical image analysis system. Results iNOS, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressed in the epithelial cells of iris and ciliary body and exudated inflammatory cells of rats. The concentration of protein in the aqueous humor, the contents of NO in blood plasma, aqueous humor, and uveal tissues, and A value of MMP-9 had obvious relativity with the inflammatory extent, while no positive correlation was found between the inflammatory extent and the A value of iNOS and TIMP-1. Expression of iNOS was found 6 hours after injection, reached the peak after 12 hours, and then dropped gradually. The expression of TIMP-1 could be seen 24 hours after injection, and reached its peak after 72 hours. Conclusion The content of NO and expressions of iNOS, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 changes from the beginning and during the development of EIU, which suggests that NO, iNOS, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 are involved in the pathologic process of EIU. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2005, 21: 371-374)
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical curative effect of posterior scleral reinforcement for macular retinoschisis in pathological myopic patients. MethodsA prospective study was conducted, in which 36 pathological myopia patients(36 eyes)with myopic foveoschisis were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the treatments: 24 patients (24 eyes) voluntarily underwent posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR, operation group) and 12 patients (12 eyes) didn't receive operation (control group). There are no statistical differences (P>0.05) in age, gender, length of axis oculi, spherical equivalent between the 2 groups. All patients were examined by best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), macular retinoschisis types, central foveal thickness (CFT), maximum foveal thickness (MxFT). Patients in operation group were scheduled to a follow-up 3rd, 6th, and 9th month after surgery respectively. Patients in control group all were followed up once every three months. A contrast observation was made on the changes of BCVA, CFT, MxFT, findings of the foveoschisis and the complications of the surgery between groups. ResultsCompared with the preoperation after 9 month follow-up: in the operation group, the BCVA was significantly increased postoperatively (Z=-3.43, P=0.01), the mean CFT was significantly decreased postoperatively (Z=-2.71, P=0.007), while the MxFT which was not significantly decreased postoperatively (Z=-0.67, P=0.503). In the control group, there was no significant change in BCVA (Z=-1.840, P>0.05), the CFT and the MxFT were signi? cant increased respectively (Z=-2.803, -2.04; P<0.05). In the operation group, there were 6 (25.0%) of the 24 eyes get complete resolution of the foveoschisis; 16 (66.7%) of them is not completely attached however the retinoschisis was significantly decreased; only 2 eyes developed to macular hole the other getting worse and the foveal thickness was increased. In the control group no one get complete resolution of the myopic foveoschisis, and 2 eyes developed to retinal detachment in 6 and 8 month respectively. There was no complications such as post-operative intra-ocular pressure increased, subretinal hemorrhage, macular epiretinal membrane, endophthalmitis, vortex vein circumfluence obstacle and anterior ocular ischemia syndrome occurred after surgery. ConclusionsPosterior scleral reinforcement surgery was found effective in improving the visual acuity, reducing the CFT. No obvious complications were found during and after the surgery.