Ultrastructural analysis of interleukin-1 beta-induced leukocyte recruitment to the rat retina.

Abstract

The administration of IL-1 beta to the vitreous of the Lewis rat causes an acute, reversible retinal inflammatory response that is accompanied by breakdown of the vascular BRB. Interleukin-1 beta induces the recruitment of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes that enter the retina predominantly through the retinal vasculature and that appear to migrate through retinal endothelial cells. These results suggest that IL-1 beta may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of human retinal inflammation.