Role of interleukin 2 on apoptosis of lens epithelium cells in intraocular non-infective inflammation induced by iron

Abstract

To observe the role of Interleukin 2 (IL-2) on the apoptosis of lens epithelium cells during the intraocular non-infective inflammation induced by iron. Rabbits were divided into 3 groups randomly: the experimental group (injection of iron powder into the lens), the experimental control group [injection of iron and soluble IL-2 receptors (SIL-2R)] and the control group. The inflammation reaction in the anterior chamber was observed under the slitlamp biomicroscope and the level of IL-2 in the aqueous humor was assayed 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after the injection. STAT1, STAT3 and TUNEL staining were carried out on the histologic slices of enucleated eyeballs. The inflammation reaction in the anterior chamber in the experimental control group was less severe than that of the experimental group. IL-2 concentration in the experimental control group was lower than that of the experimental group. The STAT3 staining was strongly positive and TUNEL staining was weakly positive in the eyes of the experiment group. The STAT3 staining was weakly positive and TUNEL staining was strongly positive in the experimental control group. Both staining were negative in the control group. The STAT1 staining was negative in all 3 groups. Apoptosis of lens epithelium cells appears early in the intraocular inflammation induced by iron. IL-2 activates the STAT3 pathway, protects the lens epithelium cells and reduce the damage caused by inflammation reactions.