Lysophosphatidyl choline in the aqueous humour during ocular inflammation

• Published in: British journal of ophthalmology Vol. 63; no. 11; pp. 768 - 770
• Main Authors: Secchi, A G, Fregona, I, D'Ermo, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JR BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.11.1979; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Animals; Antigen-Antibody Reactions; Aqueous Humor - analysis; Cataract - etiology; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Lens, Crystalline - drug effects; Lens, Crystalline - immunology; Lysophosphatidylcholines - analysis; Lysophosphatidylcholines - pharmacology; Phospholipases A; Rabbits; Uveitis - immunology; Uveitis - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0007-1161; 1468-2079
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.63.11.768

Phospholipase A and lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) have been shown to induce significant changes in the lens permeability in vitro to cations and soluble proteins. During uveal inflammation, in various experimental models and in man as well, the levels of LPC in the aqueous humour have been shown to reach values which are harmful to the lens in vitro. In addition, a phospholipase is thought to be activated during the antigen + antibody + complement sequence. The possible significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of complicated cataracts in uveitis and the possible role of the lens as a source of autoantigens in recurrent uveitis.