ABSTRACT
· AIM: To investigate the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the graft rejection of rabbit penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).· METHODS: Sutures were used to produce corneal neovascularization (CNV) on New Zealand white rabbits to make PKP model. Graft mean survival time and rejection index were determined. The levels of sICAM-1 in serum and aqueous humor were dynamically determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Immunohistochemical technique was used on cornea to get the evidence of expression and distribution of ICAM-1.· RESULTS: Graft mean survival time is (12.4±1.3) days.The mean sICAM-1 levels in aqueous humor and serum in the control animals that did not undergo surgery were (16.6±3.6)ng/L and (95.2±6.3) ng/L respectively. Levels in aqueous humor and serum for the graft rejection group increased postoperatively, continued to increase to (53.9±19.2)ng/Land (378.8±30.6)ng/L, compared to those in the other group (P ＜0.01). ICAM-1 positive cells were found in the graft rejection group.· CONCLUSION: ICAM-1 plays a critical role in initiating and maintaining corneal graft rejection. Sequential determination of serum sICAM-1 after operation may be of value in the prediction and diagnosis of acute rejection.