Effect of NF-κB inhibitor PDTC on a herpetic stromal keratitis mouse model.

Abstract

To investigate the effect of NF-κB inhibitor PDTC on inflammation response in mice with herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK). A total of 120 female BALB/c mice, aged 4~6 weeks, were treated by scuffing the epithelium of the right cornea with the tip of a 30G syringe needle, and approximately 1 ×106PFU of HSV-1virus was seeded onto the corneal surface. The eye was then exposed to 170mJ/cm2 of UV light 7 weeks later, in order to induce the relapse of HSK. PDTC eye drops were adjusted to various concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/ml) with PBS; PBS only was used on control animals. All animals received PDTC or PBS eye drops 6 times/day, 1 drop/time, for 7 consecutive days. Mice were sacrificed at 8h, and 1, 3, and 7 d after administration. Corneal tissues were prepared for the detection of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12 by ELISA and histological study. Neutrophilic leukocytes and lymphocytes were found in the corneas of HSK mice. ELISA results showed fluctuating expressions of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12. The IL-1β and IL-4 expressions were significantly lower in the high dose group than in the control group (P<0.05), while IL-6 and IL-12 expressions were significantly higher in the high dose group than in the control group (P<0.05). A high concentration of PDTC can suppress the expression of certain inflammatory factors in HSK mice while improving the expression of others.