ABSTRACT
As inetrleukin increases secretions of prostaglandin E2 and collagenase, we have investigated the number of membrane receptors for this cytokine on keratoconus fibroblasts and determined the corresponding dissociation constant [Kd]. We have also studied kinetics of cyclooxygenase, synthesis of prostaglandins E2, interleukin 1 and collagen. The data were compared with those from human normal cornea fibroblasts. Eight normal corneas and eight keratoconus were studied. Cells were seeded in 24-well plated, at a concentration of 50,000 cells per well and cultured for 24 hours before the experiments. Increasing concentrations of 125 I labelled IL1 were added to the wells. The number of receptors for IL1 was found to be 4 fold higher for keratoconus. Consequently, synthesis of PGE2 is ten times more in keratoconus than in normal cornea cells, and collagen synthesis decreased in keratoconus. Relation between inflammatory disease and keratoconus are discussed