The purpose of the research is to determine which inflammatory substances are involved in causing allergic symptoms in the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis is a common problem with symptoms of temporary redness, itching, tearing, and swelling of the eyes. Substances released by cells in the affected tissues cause allergic reactions in the eye and elsewhere in the body.
Ocular allergies are extremely common, affecting up to 80 million people in the USA. Our research question is: Are there differences in inflammatory mediators and cell surface activation markers in patients undergoing seasonal allergic conjunctivitis compared to those with sight threatening disease such as Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and will the use of the anti-allergy eye drop, PATANOL® (olopatadine hydrochloride) affect these parameters? Experimental Design: Ocular surface cells (by impression cytology) and tears (via capillary tube) are collected from allergic, non-allergic, and AKC subjects undergoing an reaction induced either by seasonal allergen or topical allergen provocation (specificity and dose determined via skin testing). Ocular surface cells are evaluated for surface activation markers. Tears are evaluated for mediator content. Tears are also incubated with peripheral blood eosinophils and lymphocytes to see effects on adhesion to conjunctival epithelial cells.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
21
olopatadine one drop in one eye for one week
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Study Examined Whether the Incubation of Human Conjunctival Epithelial Cells With Tears Pooled From Allergic Subjects (One Eye With and Other Eye Without Olopatadine Treatment) Promotes Eosinophil Adhesion
Outcome: The collected tears (from 10 subjects)were pooled, incubated with primary conjunctival epithelial cells before eosinophil adhesion was measured via eosinophil peroxidase assay. Eosinophils in eosinophils / square cm measured.
Time frame: 1 week for tear collection, tears stored at - 80 C until used
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.