Regional Immune, Hormonal and Mediatory Mechanisms Responsible for Function of “Immune Privilege of an Eye” at Senile and Complicated Cataracts

Nowadays, in current biology and medicine the subject of wide discussion present paracrine and autocrine immune, endocrine and mediatory mechanisms functioning of which in all the integrative systems of the organism are realized due to principles of interregulation and interdependence. It is not excluded that similar mechanisms are also engaged in eye tunics, moreover that the hematoophthalmic barrier is characterized by a more stable selective permeability (as compared to other histohematic barriers) towards a wide range of endoge‐ nous active biological compounds of immune, hormonal and mediatory origin.


Introduction
Nowadays, in current biology and medicine the subject of wide discussion present paracrine and autocrine immune, endocrine and mediatory mechanisms functioning of which in all the integrative systems of the organism are realized due to principles of interregulation and interdependence. It is not excluded that similar mechanisms are also engaged in eye tunics, moreover that the hematoophthalmic barrier is characterized by a more stable selective permeability (as compared to other histohematic barriers) towards a wide range of endogenous active biological compounds of immune, hormonal and mediatory origin.
In this concern, to our mind, studies aimed at elucidation of autonomous mechanisms engaged in sustaining the immune and endocrine homeostasis in the eye tunics are rather promising.
Hence, during the last 40 years the subject of special investigation became scientific research works relevant to the aspects of pathogenesis "active immunological tolerance" originating in eye tunics as a response to baring of antigenic determinants in eye tunics and tissues at a wide range of ophthalmological diseases. The entire symptom complex of in situ occurring immunological reactions is defined in modern ophthalmology as "anterior chamber associated immune deviation" (ACAID).
At the same time, regional mechanisms responsible for ACAID function are studied rather insufficiently.
In the mentioned aspect, cells identified in certain eye tunics should become the subject of specific discussion; besides their "main functions' these cells are provided with the immune, hormonal and mediatory activity as well. The matter is in situ synthesis of transforming growth factorβ-2 , cortisol, fibronectin, availability of receptors to prolactin and prostaglandins E 2 .
This chapter will bring to the attention of readers the analysis of scientific evidence and our own research findings obtained during the last 10 years in respect of possible regional immune, hormonal and mediatory mechanisms engaged in formation and abolition of ACAID function.
To avoid artificially expanded volume of this chapter, we considered to be expedient to supplement the narrative description of own research results with Tables and Schemes, excluding all the methodic approaches to selection of patient cohorts, methods of investigation, which were comprehensively presented within our previous studies (Zilfyan A., 2009;2012;2013).
We should only mention those groups of patients under study in the aqueous humor of which we determined the spectrum of the above-mentioned endogenously active substances of the immune, hormonal and mediatory nature.
The first (control) group included patients with senile non-complicated cataract, the second group involved patients with cataracts occurring on the background of primary open-angle glaucoma and the third group embraced patients with cataracts on the background of glaucoma and pseudoexfoliative syndrome, the fourth group made patients with cataracts on the background of "arterial hypertension", the fifth group -cataracts on the background of diabetes mellitus and the sixth group was composed of patients with cataract on the background of previous eye injury.
To our mind, it was rather reasonable that we did not include in the current chapter issues dealing with the role of intracorporeal resident gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, as well as viruses, Chlamidiae, Toxoplasmas, etc. Despite the bulk of evidence-frequently of contradictory character -mechanisms of "bacterial translocation" of the abovementioned microorganisms in the aspect of their passage through the hematoophthalmic barrier and/or penetration of their secretion and decomposition products into the eye tunics are almost none-investigated. Similar approach was used by us regarding the role of pro-and anti-inflammatory immunocytokines, because of a known controversy of available scientific data on their role in mechanisms responsible for formation of reactions responsible for ACAID function. The controversial character of scientific publications to a known extent is connected with dosedependent and pleiotropic potencies of immunocytokines even towards the same "immunocompetent" cells localized in the eye tunics.

Immune shifts in mechanisms of formation and abolition of the active immunological tolerance responsible for ACAID function
The term "immune privilege of an eye" implies the entire complex of regional immune cellmediated and humoral reactions aimed at prevention of inflammatory and dystrophic processes development in tunics and fluid sections (slices) of an eye under conditions of a wide range of ophthalmologic maladies.
At the same time, this term first of all reflects the state of "local immune homeostasis" under conditions of normal functioning of an eye. The complete cascade of local protective/adaptive mechanisms is aimed to form immunological processes, which in total are defined as anterior chamber associated immune deviation (ACAID). To our mind based on available scientific publications, the general scheme of immunopathological process can be presented as the following chronologically occurring stages: As a rule, the main reason of ACAID induction is 1-or 2-stage surgical intervention, as a result of which there occurs "baring" (uncovering) of antigenic determinants of lens tissues. As a result, in the "immunocompetent" tunics of an eye there occurs the synthesis of specific autoantibodies targeted to tissues of lens; by this latter are caused local processes of autoimmune aggression are caused being conditioned by the damaging action of both autoantibodies and locally formed immune complexes.
The activation of reactions of local humoral immunity is accompanied by significant increase of IgG levels in aqueous humor (in anterior and posterior chambers of eyes), due to which the aqueous humor is a rather informative media for studies on mechanisms of both formation and abolition of ACAID. At the same time, all the above-mentioned links underlying abolition of ACAID in case of cataracts are studied rather insufficiently.
It should be emphasized that regional immune mechanisms responsible for in situ formation of the active immunological tolerance, which ensures the ACAID function, is most comprehensively studied at senile non-complicated cataracts. At the same time, only single, sometimes even contradictory evidence is available on the course of the regional immune reactions engaged at complicated cataracts.
In our previous investigation (Zilfyan A., 2009) we studied the shifts of CD 4 , CD 8  Notes: M -mean; m -standard error of mean; p -confidence interval (indices of complicated cataracts as related to senile cataracts). As obvious from the Table, at complicated cataracts (study groups II and III) already in presurgery period in the aqueous humor there was a marked decrease of CD 8 on the background of CD 4 increase in the aqueous humor of the same cohort of patients.
It is rather remarkable that upon the 2-factor statistical analysis strong reverse correlation dependence was revealed between the studied indices (correlation index made-0.893 and-0.940, appropriately). Apparently, at complicated cataracts in study groups II and III the antigenic determinants in post-barrier eye tunics were bared already in pre-surgery period; relatively high levels of IgG revealed in the aqueous humor of the specified cohort of patients signified to this latter (  It appears, that in this precise case the intercellular mechanisms, which are conditioned by the cooperative activity of B-helper subpopulations and B-lymphocytic populations in the immune competent eye tunics and, first of all, of the ciliary body, are engaged in eye tunics; these latter eventually bring to the synthesis of anti-tissue autoantibodies. The performed 2factor correlation analysis also signifies in favour of this circumstance: strong direct correlation dependence was revealed between CD 4 and IgG high levels in the aqueous humor of patients of the II and III study groups (correlation index made-0.891 and-0.935, appropriately). It should be mentioned that similar picture of immunological shifts was also observed in study group VI, i.e. at cataracts occurring on the background of trauma. Therefore, it is not excluded that prior trauma can be considered as a provoking factor bringing forth impairment of the immune homeostasis. In the aqueous humor of patients from all other study groups of complicated cataracts (groups IV and V) we registered CD 8 , CD 4 and IgG indices similar to those registered in the aqueous humor of patients with senile cataracts.
The results of performed immunological analysis for IgG determination in aqueous humor of patients with senile and complicated cataracts are conformed by available data of scientific publications. In particular, N. Stambuk et al. (1994) established that IgG level in aqueous humor of patients with complicated cataracts was significantly higher than in patients with senile cataracts.
Thus performed, the comparative analysis in all study groups, though with due circumspection, signifies that at senile cataracts and, in all probability, at cataracts occurring on the background of diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension during the pre-surgery period the regional immune homeostasis is not disturbed, i.e. only those mechanisms are engaged, which ensure the function of ACAID at norm.  , 2005) it is difficult to consider if there is adequacy of inflammatory process, which occurs in eye post-barrier tunics as a response to surgery-related trauma, to what extent the local protective mechanisms work characterizing the immune deviation as related to "bared" autoantigens of the specified tunics. To our mind, it is possible to judge about the character and intensity of the inflammatory process in eye post-barrier tissues only under conditions of the lens transplantation into heterogenous sites of the organism. This problem was successfully solved by Japanese researchers already in 1989 (Uenoyama K. et al., 1989). The authors performed experiments aimed to study tissue specific shifts upon lens transplantation into the eye and intraperitoneally. Due to the complex approach with the use of cytological, immunehistochemical and electron microscopy methods the authors revealed that the degree of inflammatory reaction, the intensity of lymphomacrophagial infiltration were considerably more expressed at the site of lens transplantation, i.e.-in the peritoneum.
At the same time, even in patient with senile non-complicated cataract the surgery-related trauma might provoke disturbance of ACAID function, because as a response to baring of eye tunics antigenic determinants there occurrs the regional autoimmune process. The postsurgery period in those patients and the performed corrective therapy in the prevailing majority of cases proceed without complications; this latter allows us considering that the traumatic injury occurring in the course of surgery intervention is fraught with development of in situ immunopathological disorders, which are of exceptionally temporary, transient character.

Cortisol-and prolactin-dependent mechanisms responsible for formation and abolition of the ACAID function
In current scientific publications there is only scarce evidence according to which in certain eye tunics the cells of epithelial genesis and fibroblastic line -apart from their main function -also possess the hormone-producing property to synthesize cortisol (Chong A., Aw S., 1986). Due to experimental studies (Southern A. et al., 1979), the presence of receptors to glucocorticoids in cells of ciliary body and the cornea was established, whereas translocation of glucocorticoids from the surface towards the cell nuclei occurred during a rather short period of time. It is reasonable to mention another circumstance of no less importance. The authors failed to reveal similar mechanism of reception and translocation, which is characteristic for glucocorticoids, as related to a wide range of hormones: testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, T 3 and T 4 . It was established that biological effects of cortisol are realized within the sclera, cornea, ciliary body and, mostly important, in the lens capsule (Kasavina B. et al., 1977). According to S. Rauz and associates (2001;2003), cortisol is secreted in the ciliary body of both actually healthy contingent and in patients with the primary open-angle glaucoma.
Currently, the opinion dominates that the fundamental function of cortisol in eye tunics is sustaining the optimal level of intraocular pressure. Furthermore, this function has a dual realization: through regulation of the regional immune homeostasis and potentiating the adrenergic effect towards the system of vascularization in specific eye tunics (Jacob E. et al., 1996;Rauz S. et al., 2001).
Nowadays, the role of prolactin appears more disputable. At cataracts and uveitides the presence of prolactin was revealed in the anterior chamber of the eye (Pleyer U. et al., 1991). Efforts were done to interpret biological effects of prolactin within the specific eye structures functioning. In particular, S. Duenas and co-workers (2004) allow for the possibility of intraocular synthesis of prolactin within the blood vessels of retina. At retinopathies, the mentioned authors revealed a high level of prolactin in the anterior chamber of the eye. It is important to emphasize that authors did not reveal any correlation dependence between prolactin levels in the anterior chamber of the eye and in blood serum. Despite the fact that of prolactin revealment in tunics and liquid media of the eye, the role of this hormone in the integrative activity of the eye remains unstudied.
To our mind, the role of in situ produced hormones, cortisol and prolactin, in eye tissues is more versatile and is far beyond the functions ensuring processes of ion exchange and intraocular pressure regulation.
We propose a hypothesis according to which cortisol and prolactin play an important role in establishment of ACAID function through modulation of immunological processes in the aspects of both activation and/or inhibition of specific T-and B-populations and also targeted synthesis of cytokines with adaptogenic spectrum of action.
The mentioned supposition is confirmed by literary data, according to which in the mammalian organism cortisol and prolactin possess immunomodulatory functions. In particular, it is established that prolactin and cortisol at physiological concentrations maintain the stability of the immune homeostasis. However, at high concentrations cortisol acts as a factor that selectively inhibits the activity of T-killer and T-helper cytotoxic lymphocytes (   As seen in studies performed by our group a conclusion might be drawn that in organisms of mammals cortisol plays an important role in processes promoting ACAID functioning (Zilfyan A., 2009; Zilfyan A.A., Zilfyan A.V., 2013).
Moreover, at complicated cataracts (groups II, III and IV), especially at cataracts occurring on the background of the open-angle and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, we should assign to cortisol an important role in mechanisms infringing the normal course of immunological reactions in tunics and the anterior chamber of an eye ensuring ACAID -in the aspect of abolishing the processes promoting in situ active and immunological tolerance.
Significant shifts were also observed on the part of prolactin determined in the aqueous humor of patients with complicated cataracts. In particular, in the aqueous humor of patients with complicated cataracts (study groups II, III and VI) relatively high level of prolactin was recorded. In the remaining patients with complicated cataracts (study groups IV, V) indices of prolactin were similar to those determined in aqueous humor of patients with senile cataracts (  In the available literature the evidence on the role of prolactin in mechanisms of ACAID formation is lacking. In consideration of the existing immune endocrine interrelations of prolactin and proinflammatory cytokines we can suppose that relatively high prolactin concentrations revealed by us in the aqueous humor of study groups II and III patients might be the cause of the enhanced synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines by immonocompetent cells of some eye tunics and cells of lymphocyte-monocyte line localized in the aqueous humor. This is one of the probable prolactin-dependent mechanisms underlying infringement of ACAID function at complicated cataracts. Under conditions of pathology, i.e. at complicated cataracts, in the anterior chamber of the eye there might be also engaged another prolactin-dependent mechanism bringing to ACAID abolition. It is not excluded that prolactin acts as a co-factor participating in activation of in On the base of our own findings and comparing them with the available scientific data on the role of prolactin in the immunological processes and its revealment in the anterior chamber of the eyes the following conclusion might be drawn. Prolactin-dependent mechanisms, which, on the one hand, stimulate the local synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and, on the other hand, activate processes of in situ B-lymphocyte populations proliferation and thus worsen the course of an earlier developed autoimmune process in post-barrier tunics and the anterior chamber of the eye, are also engaged in mechanisms of ACAID abolition at complicated cataracts.  Notes: M -mean; m -standard error of mean; p -confidence interval (indices of complicated cataracts as related to senile cataracts). The highest indices of the cytokine were recorded by us in the aqueous humor of patients with cataract occurring on the background of pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (as compared to indices of the control group).

Fibronectin and prostaglandins E 2 -dependent mechanisms responsible for abolition of reactions promoting the ACAID function
In all other study groups of patients with complicated cataracts low indices of fibronectin were determined in the aqueous humor; these indices were similar to those recorded in the aqueous humor of patients with senile cataracts.
Let us consider the role of fibronectin in processes of ACAID function formation and abolition. It is considered to be established that macrophages of eye tunics and aqueous humor play a role of in processes of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines synthesis; the balanced synthesis of mentioned cytokines ensures the normal course of reactions supporting ACAID.
As already mentioned by us earlier, at a number of diseases, including the complicated cataracts, this balance is broken and macrophages begin to produce immunocytokinesprimarily of the proinflammatory -character: TNF 2 and IL I. Therefore, a role of no less importance should be assigned to macrophages in processes of abolishing reactions responsible for ACAID function.
At the same time, it is considered to be established that fibronectin has an ability to activate the cytokine function of macrophages. Hence, it is not excluded that at complicated cataracts fibronectin-dependent mechanisms are engaged in mechanisms of ACAID functions infringement; specified mechanisms are realized at the level of the regional monocyte-macrophageal system.
In our further research the shifts in PgE 2 content in the aqueous humor of patients with senile and complicated cataracts were studied. There is only rather scarce literature on synthesis of prostaglandins in eye tunics. The local synthesis of prostaglandins was revealed only in epithelial cells of the lens capsule and was proved by experiments of O. Nishi and co-workers (1982), who performed model in vitro tests; in case of cataract surgery the isolated lens was placed in the incubation medium. Alongside with incubation time increase the content of prostaglandins in the incubation medium markedly increased. At the same time, in some eye tunics -the ciliary body, retina, sclera and trabecular meshwork of the anterior chamber angle receptors to PgE 2 were identified (Toris C. et al., 2008). The role of PgE 2 in maintaining the drainage function is widely discussed (Podos S. et al., 1972).
However, the role of PgE 2 in mechanisms of ACAID formation and infringement is almost not investigated. As shown by results of our own studies, the level of PgE 2 in aqueous humor of patients from study groups II, III and VI markedly increased as compared to the level of PgE 2 in the aqueous humor of the control group patients ( Table 6).
The highest values were observed in aqueous humor of patients with cataract on the background of pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. In all other groups of complicated cataracts low indices Notes: M -mean; m -standard error of mean; p -confidence interval (indices of complicated cataracts as related to senile cataracts). Table 6. Shifts in content of PgE 2 (pg/ml) in the aqueous humor of patients with senile and complicated cataracts.

Ophthalmology -Current Clinical and Research Updates
were recorded in the aqueous humor; these indices were similar to those determined in aqueous humor of the control group patients. The high level of PgE 2 at complicated cataracts (study groups II, III, VI) might be considered as a factor bringing to disorder of the eye trabecular meshwork drainage function; moreover that on its cells receptors to PgE 2 were revealed. Despite the presence of receptors to PgE 2 in different eye tunics, epithelial cells of the lens capsule are the only possible source of PgE 2 local synthesis. Therefore, it is not ruled out that in complicated cataracts the lens cells are engaged in an enhanced synthesis of E 2 group prostaglandins, which might influence the course and duration of reactions promoting abolition of the ACAID function.
Our supposition is also grounded by data of scientific publications dealing with the functional activity of PgE 2 towards the numerous integrative systems of the organism, including the immune system. In particular, it is considered to be established long ago, that PgE 2 inhibit the synthesis of cytotoxic lymphocytes: T-suppressor and T-killer lymphocyte subpopulations. Hence, it is not excluded, that the high level of PgE 2 in the aqueous humor of patients with complicated cataracts (study groups II, III and VI) might be considered as a factor producing immunosuppressive action to cytotoxic lymphocytes localized in eye tunics and the aqueous humor; the latter is fraught with abolishing the reactions responsible for in situ abolition of ACAID function.
This is the precise reason for formation of "favourable" conditions for in situ intensification of autoimmune reactions in the post-surgery period under conditions of infringed integrity of the lens capsule and baring of its antigenic determinants; moreover, at complicated cataracts the immune stimulant mechanisms aimed at activation of T-cytotoxic lymphocytes is infringed already at the pre-surgery stage.
The investigation of E.L. Nelson (1976) also signified to the important role of prostaglandins in induction of local inflammatory processes. According to author, different traumatic injuries of the eye are followed with the enhanced synthesis of E 2 and F 2α in the iris and other eye tissues, as a result of which the content of mentioned prostaglandins in the aqueous humor is significantly increased. The enhancement of mentioned processes is accompanied with vasodilatation, increased permeability of micro-vessels, and increased protein content in the aqueous humor.
Apart from this, the mentioned author proposed a supposition, according to which at traumatic injuries of the eye leucocytes of inflammatory exudates in the aqueous humor might serve as a source of prostaglandins synthesis.
Furthermore, as considered by the authors, the cascade of molecular and cellular processes at induction of inflammatory process in eye tunics is eventually terminated by the reaction that, to a considerable degree, is conditioned by prostaglandins. On the other hand, the high level of PgE 2 in the aqueous humor, to a known extent, reflects in situ formation of protectiveadaptive mechanisms -in the aspect of correlation of synthesis processes of specific proinflammatory cytokines produced in the post-barrier tunics of the eye as well.
It is a common knowledge that prostaglandins of E and F group inhibit the synthesis of IL I in macrophages and leucocytes. Apparently, the similar mechanism is engaged in post-barrier eye tunics both at norm and in case of some eye diseases. The following fact signifies in favour of the latter circumstance: at endotoxin-induced experimental uveitis in rabbit despite the expressed inflammatory reaction in post-barrier eye tunics the level of IL-I in the aqueous humor did not increase (Kulkarni P.S., 1991). It is not excluded that PgE 2 serve as a factor preventing the increase of IL-I and IL-II production in immunocompetent cells.

The role of transforming growth factor in pathogenesis of cataracts and glaucomas
Nowadays rather informative evidence is available on the role of TGF β-2 in the mechanisms of immunological tolerance activation at senile and complicated cataracts. High regional immunological tolerance in eye tunics is ensured through the enhanced TGF β-2 synthesis by the cells of eye tunics: ciliary body, cornea, and retina (Stefan C. et  In the most relief mode the entire cascade of immunological shifts is presented in the aqueous humor of patients with senile and complicated cataracts, as a result of which currently the aqueous humor is considered as a rather informative bio-object characterizing the course of immunological reactions responsible for anterior chamber associated immune deviation (ACAID) formation.
In the specified aspect there are rather informative scientific publications, according to which at senile non-complicated cataracts during the post-surgery period is engaged the similar TGF β-2 -dependent mechanism that underlies the suppresson of local humoral immunity reactions through in situ activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes (Fleenor D. et al., 2006;Streilein J. et al., 1992).
At the same time our own investigation (Zilfyan A., 2009) allowed establishing that unlike senile non-complicated cataracts occurring on the background of glaucoma and pseudoexfoliative syndrome already in the pre-surgery period in eye tunics there originated immunopathological disorders manifested as activation of reactions responsible for antibody formation (high level of CD 4 and IgG in the aqueous humor -on the background of a marked decrease in CD 8 level).
Data obtained signify in favour of the fact, according to which TGF β-2 -dependent mechanism engaged in ACAID formation is actually not the single one at complicated cataracts (Zilfyan A.A., Zilfyan A.V., 2013).
Thus, our studies revealed that at complicated cataracts in the aqueous humor there is a marked increase of cortisol, prolactin and PgE 2 (Zilfyan A., 2009;2012). Moreover, high concentrations of mentioned hormones and PgE 2 are conditioned by their "non-arrival" from the periphery (as a result of increase in hematoophthalmic barrier permeability), or most likely, as a result of the enhanced synthesis in the eye tunics.
According to the proposed concept, relatively high concentrations of the above-mentioned biologically active compounds might act as endogenous factors activating in situ reactions of humoral immunity, because their selective influence towards the immune competent cells Thelpers and B-cellular populations is considered to be established (Goodwin J., Ceuppens J., 1983;McMurray R. et al., 1991;Lahat N. et al., 1993;).
Thus, in cases of complicated cataracts we revealed earlier unknown mediatory mechanisms engaged in launching the humoral immunity reactions, which apart the surgery-related trauma produce rather unfavourable impacts to the course of the regional pathological process.
In the light of data thus obtained, the role of TGF β-2 in glaucomatous pathogenesis should be considered from the alternative standpoint. In particular, TGF β-2 produced in the cornea and the ciliary body stimulates in situ synthesis of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and fibronectin, i.e. precisely those cytokines the excessive concentrations of which are considered as provoking factors hindering the normal outflow of the aqueous humor; this latter is fraught with the increase of aqueous humor in glaucoma.
Our previous studies also signify to the existence / presence of the similar TGF β-2 -dependent mechanism (Zilfyan A., 2013); it was demonstrated that at complicated cataracts on the background of glaucoma and pseudoexfoliative syndrome high concentrations of fibronectin and IGF-1 are determined in the aqueous humor (compared to those recorded in the aqueous humor of patients with senile non-complicated cataract).
Hence, the role of TGF β-2 in pathogenesis of cataracts and glaucomas is far from being unambiguous. In particular, on the one hand, in senile non-complicated cataract TGF β-2 modulates in the eye tunics processes of active immune tolerance aimed at prevention of autoimmune aggression against the antigenic determinants of the lens; on the other hand,-the same cytokine produced a rather unfavourable impact to the course and duration of glaucomas through its direct and/or indirect impact to the processes of fibronectin and IGF-1 enhanced synthesis in the trabecular meshwork of the eye. The excessive accumulation of both cytokines brings to impaired function of the eye anterior chamber trabecular meshwork, thus eventually accompanied by the increase of intraocular pressure.
On the basis of studies performed, within the entire context of available published data, from the qualitatively new positions we should consider the established, earlier unknown, TGF β-2independent hormonal mediatory mechanisms underlying the abolition of reactions responsible for ACAID formation and the increase of intraocular pressure at complicated cataracts.

Conclusion
Currently existing term "immune privilege of an eye" is mostly associated with evolutionary secured mechanisms, which ensure the regional immune homeostasis in eye tunics and in the eye liquid media both at norm and pathology. In particular, at cataracts in some eye tunics there are engaged mechanisms promoting the "active immunological tolerance" that is selectively targeted against the "bared" (revealed) antigenic determinants of the lens tissues.
In modern ophthalmology the symptom complex of immune reactions occurring in eye tunics is defined as "anterior chamber associated immune deviation -ACAID".
Hence, it is considered to be proved that at senile non-complicated cataracts in the post-surgery period there are in situ activated immune processes, which manifest as activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes (T-suppressors and T-killers) due to which the "active immunological tolerance" is formed averting the processes of autoimmune aggression against the bared antigenic tissues of the lens.
Based on the evidence of available modern literature and our own research findings new earlier unknown hormonal mediatory mechanisms appear to the proscenium of the stage; those mechanisms at complicated cataracts are responsible for abolition of reactions promoting the ACAID function.
Thereupon, from qualitatively new positions should be considered the role of cortisol, prolactin fibronectin, TGF β-2 and PgE 2 , which are produced in specific eye tunics, in mechanisms of in situ realization of the immune reactions responsible for ACAID formation and abolition. It should be emphasized that all the above-mentioned biologically active substances in case of complicated cataracts (cataracts on the background of anterior open-angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma) act as "provoking" factors, which take an active part in both impairment of the eye trabecular meshwork drainage function and the increase of intraocular pressure.
At the same time, in complicated cataracts the specified factors might take an active part in abolishing the reactions providing the "active immunological tolerance" through in situ activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes and activation of autoimmune processes targeted against the antigenic determinants of the eye tissues and tunics.
Based on the analysis of the available literature and the presented own studies we consider it purposeful to present to the attention of the readers the main regional immune and hormonalmediatory mechanisms responsible for ACAID formation and abolition in senile and complicated cataracts also depicting them in detail as summary Schemes 1 and 2.
Immune and hormonal-mediatory factors engaged in ACAID formation at non-complicated cataracts are presented as Scheme 1.
During the surgery intervention for phacoemulsification of cataract (PhEC) there occurs baring of antigenic determinants of the lens tissues (BADLT). According to available evidence of scientific publications, 3 mechanisms are engaged in ACAID formation.
The first mechanism is associated with the activation of TGF β-2 synthesis in the eye cornea, ciliary body and retina as a result of which there occurs stimulation of cytotoxic lymphocytes (T-ct).
As a result of the targeted stimulation of T-suppressor and T-killer subpopulations there occurs an active immunological tolerance (AIT) against the bared antigenic determinants of lens tissues, in particular through inhibition of activity in T-helper subpopulation of lymphocytes.
The second mechanism is associated with in situ activation of the main histocompatibility complex class 1 (MHC-1) with the subsequent activation of T-killer subpopulations.
The third mechanism is associated with in situ inactivation of the complement (C); therefore, the formation of immune complexes (IC) does not occur.
As a result, one of the possible mechanisms of autoaggression is excluded through deposition of the immune complexes on the lens tissues followed by their subsequent impairment.
According to the bulk of scientific data, similar mechanism is engaged in the post-surgery period at senile non-complicated cataracts.
From the result of our investigations we do not exclude that ACAID function is also engaged in cataracts occurring on the background of diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension, because in both cases the recovery process was without complications, even without the aseptic autoimmune iridocyclitis.
Thus performed, our studies allowed establishing that at specific types of complicated cataracts (cataract on the background of primary open-angle and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma) regional immune mechanisms responsible for ACAID function were impaired (Scheme 2).
Thus, in both cases after the performed phacoemulsification of cataract (PhEC) and baring of antigenic determinants of the lens tissues (BADLT) the aqueous humor levels of cortisol (Cor) Scheme 1. Regional immune andmediatory mechanisms responsible for ACAID function.
Regional Immune, Hormonal and Mediatory Mechanisms Responsible for Function of "Immune Privilege of an Eye"… http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58229 and PgE 2 increased. Both factors had unidirectional cytotoxic action towards the specific lymphocytic subpopulations -T-suppressors and T-killers (T-s, T-k). Hence, there occurred the abolition of the immunosuppressive action of those latter to the T-helper subpopulation of lymphocytes (T-h). Against this background we recorded high concentrations of prolactin (PRL) and fibronectin (FN) in the aqueous humor. The FN high level was conditioned by the stimulant influence of transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGF β-2 ) towards the eye cornea cells and the trabecular meshwork. Both factors, prolactin (PRL) and fibronectin (FN), activate Thelper subpopulation of lymphocytes (T-h). As a result of surgery-related impairment of the lens tissues on the background of cytotoxic lymphocytes-abolished suppression there occurs stimulation of T-helper subpopulation that is fraught with formation of autoantibodies (AA) against the impaired tissues of lens followed with their autoimmunoaggrression towards both impaired and "structurally" preserved tissues of lens.
As a rule, such a complication as aseptic autoimmune iridocyclitis developed in the specified contingent of patients during the post-surgery period.
Undoubtedly, the presented Schemes 1 and 2 are not ultimate; moreover, they are not comprehensive. These Schemes should be supplemented (enriched) with new evidence on the role of earlier unknown biologically active substances of immune, hormonal, mediatory genesis, which are produced in eye tunics, in formation of in situ reactions responsible for formation and abolition of the ACAID function. Scheme 2. Regional immune and hormonal mediatory mechanisms responsible for abolishing the ACAID function at complicated cataracts.