Localization of a Uveitogenic Soluble Retinal Antigen in the Normal Guinea Pig Eye by an Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Technique

摘要

Since immunization of guinea pigs with homologous retina can elicit experimental allergic uveitis concomitant with development of tissue specific antibodies, an attempt was made to localize a uveitogenic soluble retinal antigen in the normal guinea pig eye by an indirect fluorescent antibody method. Specific green fluorescence was seen in the outer portions of the retina, surrounding the nuclei of the outer nuclear layer and extending in both directions outward to the outer limbs of the photoreceptor cells and inward to the outer plexiform layer. This specific fluorescence was not detectable in other ocular structures, notably the uvea. Use of a homologous system in an indirect fluorescent antibody technique also resulted in a demonstration, by FA anti-GP, of distribution of γ-globulins in the normal guinea pig eye. Green fluorescence due to γ-globulins was seen brightly in the corneal stroma and in the connective tissue external to the sclera, less brightly and diffusely throughout the uvea, very faintly in the vitreous, and not at all in the retina. The demonstration of normal γ-globulins by this procedure did not interfere with the detection of tissue specific antigen. The relationship of antigen in the retina to possible mechanisms of autoimmune uveal disease is discuss