Biomedical subjects

Toshiaki Abe

Publications and source records attributed to Toshiaki Abe.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Establishment of effective methods for transducing genes into iris pigment epithelial cells by using adeno-associated virus type 2.

PURPOSE: To establish an efficient method of transferring the human brain-derived neurotrophic-factor (hBDNF) gene into human iris pigment epithelial (hIPE) cells by using recombinant adeno-associated virus type 2 (rAAV2). METHODS: Cultured hIPE cells were treated with either hydroxyurea-sodium butyrate (HUSB; DNA synthesis inhibitor), or tyrphostin-1 (Tyr; epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] tyrosine kinase inhibitor), or a combination of HUSB and Tyr (HUSB-Tyr). After each treatment, cells were exposed to rAAV2 (rAAV-LacZ or rAAV-hBDNF). The levels of BDNF were measured by ELISA and also determined by Western blot analysis. Southern blot analysis was performed on each type of treated cell. The neuroprotective effect of BDNF on the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was quantitatively assessed by culturing rAAV-hBDNF-hIPE with RGCs. RESULTS: The infection of hIPE cells was significantly lower than ARPE and HT1080 cells, which are highly permissive cells for rAAV2. The treatment of HUSB-Tyr enhanced the transgene expression more than that after treatment with one of these agents in rAAV-hIPE cells. Southern hybridization revealed that the amount of replicative form monomer (RFm) was less in Tyr than in HUSB or HUSB-Tyr treatment and there was no difference in conversion of virus genome to double stranded form after HUSB and HUSB-Tyr treatment. However, adding Tyr treatment stimulated the JNK1/2 and p38 pathways and modified the target transgene expression. BDNF had a significantly greater rescue effect of RGCs with the HUSB-Tyr-treated rAAV-hBDNF-hIPE cells (P < 0.01) than that with the HUSB-treated rAAV-hBDNF-hIPE cells (P > 0.05) compared with noninfected hIPE cells. CONCLUSIONS: The combined treatment of HUSB-Try is an effective method of increasing transgene expression with the AAV-mediated gene transfer. The role of HUSB and Tyr in the increase of gene expression may be different and related to the conversion of virus into the host genome and the enhancement of the transcription, respectively.

Blotting, Southern↗

PubMed2005

Protection of photoreceptor cells from phototoxicity by transplanted retinal pigment epithelial cells expressing different neurotrophic factors.

Transplantation of cells or tissues and the intravitreal injection of neurotrophic factors are two methods that have been used to treat retinal diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of combining both methods: the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells expressing different neurotrophic factors. The neutrophic factors were Axokine, brain derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) gene was used as a reporter gene. These genes were transduced into RPE cells by lipofection, selected by antibiotics, and transplanted into the subretinal space of 108 rats. The rats were examined at 1 week and 3 months after the transplantation to determine whether the transduced cells were present, were expressing the protein, and were able to protect photoreceptors against phototoxicity. The survival of the transplanted cells was monitored by the presence of eGFP. The degree of protection was determined by the thickness of the outer nuclear layer. Our results showed that the degree of photoreceptor protection was different for the different types of neurotrophic factors at 1 week. After 3 months, the number of surviving transplanted cell was markedly reduced, and protection was observed only with the BDNF-transduced RPE cells. A significant degree of rescue was also observed by BDNF-transduced RPE cells in the nontransplanted area of the retina at both the early and late times. Lymphocytic infiltration was not detected in the vitreous, retina, and choroid at any time. We conclude that the transplantation of BDNF-transduced RPE cells can reduce the photoreceptor damage induced by phototoxicity in the transplanted area and weakly in the nontransplanted area.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Fractures of the lumbar and sacral superior articular processes: report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Injury to the posterior vertebral elements of the lumbar spine represents a common cause of lower back pain in athletes. However, associations between nontraumatic fracture, nonathletic populations, and treatment remain poorly described. Diagnosis and treatment of two extremely rare symptomatic fractures of the superior articular process are discussed. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Two male nonathletes presented with sudden lower back and leg pain after usual daily activities. No obvious abnormalities were revealed by radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, or myelography. INTERVENTION: In both patients, small fractures of the superior articular facet compressing the root shoulder were recognized after further examination, including detailed neurological evaluation of symptoms and targeted thin-slice computed tomography. After failure of conservative treatment, surgical debridement and removal of nonunion fracture were accomplished. CONCLUSION: Symptoms were resolved surgically without further complications or rehabilitation. Fractures of the superior articular facet causing intolerable lower back and sciatic leg pain are rare. We present the first reported cases of these fractures.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Toxoplasma encephalitis in a patient receiving cyclosporine monotherapy for Behçet disease].

We report a 44-year-old woman with toxoplasma encephalitis that occurred during cyclosporine monotherapy for Behçet disease. She had been treated with cyclosporine for 8 years. She experienced headache and, nausea, and then consciousness disturbance developed. Brain MRI showed high-signal intensity lesions on T1-weighted MRI with Gd-enhancement in the left temporoparietal lobe, right thalamus and right frontal and temporal lobes. The pathological examination of the biopsied brain specimens suggested toxoplasma encephalitis. She improved rapidly after the administration of antibiotics for toxoplasma gondii. Anti-toxoplasma specific protein antibodies were positive in the serum and CSF, supporting a diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma encephalitis due to cyclosporine mono-therapy has not been reported yet. The measurement of anti-toxoplasma specific protein antibodies may be useful for the early, accurate diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[A case of non-functional pituitary adenoma associated with Rathke's cleft cyst].

A very rare case of non-functional pituitary adenoma associated with Rathke's cleft cyst is reported. A 42-year-old male suffering from visual disturbance and headache was admitted. Visual acuity was 1.2 on the right and 0.5 on the left, and visual field examination showed bitemporal hemianopsia. Endocrinological study disclosed that the basal serum level of prolactin was elevated slightly to 52.6 ng/ml, whereas those of other hormones were within normal limits. MRI showed a dumbbell-shaped cystic sellar mass extending to the suprasellar region beyond the diaphragm sellae, which consisted of two isolated components around the sellar turcica. At the middle of May, the tumor was partially removed by bifrontal craniotomy. The suprasellar tumor tightly adhered to the frontal lobe and the optic nerve, the tumor was grayish cyst and cyst fluid from the suprasellar mass had the appearance of motor oil and the intrasellar tumor contained old hematoma. Histological findings revealed that the suprasellar mass was Rathke's cleft cyst and the intrasellar mass was diagnosed as pituitary adenoma (non-functional). Visual acuity was improved following surgical operation. So far twenty-three cases of pituitary adenoma associated with Rathke's cleft cysts have been reported in the literature, but there was only one case reported of a non-functional pituitary adenoma associated with a Rathke's cleft cyst. Etiology and pathogenesis of the coexistence of non-functional pituitary adenoma and Rathke's cleft cyst in the present case were not elucidated.

Adenoma↗

PubMed2005

[Paradoxical worsening of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: case report with serial angiograms].

We report, with serial angiograms, a case worsening of dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) located at the hypoplastic right cavernous sinus and draining into the left superior ophthalmic vein across the inter-cavernous sinus. The patient presented with sudden onset of external ophthalmoplegia and deterioration of visual acuity on the left. An imaging work-up at the day of admission included contrast-enhanced computed tomography and conventional catheter angiography, which demonstrated complete thrombosis of the left cavernous sinus. There was no strong evidence to suggest DAVFs other than small faint opacification of the posterior cavernous sinus on the right at the late arterial phase. For this reason a diagnosis of left cavernous sinus thrombosis was made, followed by aggressive anticoagulation therapy with intravenous administration of antibiotics. Although the patient's eye symptoms improved significantly after the anticoagulation therapy, the follow-up angiogram obtained 5 days after admission demonstrated small right cavernous sinus DAVFs, which drained into the left superior ophthalmic vein. The patient was followed up conservatively at the out-patient clinic. Three-month follow up angiograms demonstrated spontaneous cure of the DAVF. Also noted was a complete recovery of external ophthalmoplegia with significant improvement of left visual acuity. The alternation of clinical and angiographic findings in this case may help to understand the etiology of paradoxical worsening of cavernous sinus DAVF. In selected cases, anticoagulation therapy may help to improve the prognosis of paradoxical worsening.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

[Serum S-100B protein and neuron-specific enolase after traumatic brain injury].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate S-100B protein and NSE as a serum marker of brain cell damage after traumatic brain injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one patients with traumatic brain injury were included in this prospective study. Venous blood samples for S-100B protein and NSE were taken after admission and on the next day. Serum levels of S-100 protein and NSE were compared with Glasgow Coma Scale score, computed tomographic findings and outcome after 3 months. RESULTS: Serum S-100B protein and NSE were significantly correlated with Glasgow Coma Scale score and outcome after 3 months. The significant correlation was found between the initial S-100B and NSE (P < 0.001). In patients without parenchymal injuries on computed tomographic scan such as epidural hematoma and concussion, the elevation of S-100B protein and NSE was observed. The initial values of S-100B and NSE in acute subdural hematomas with unfavorable outcome were significantly higher than in those with favorable outcome. Secondary increase of serum markers was associated with the presence of secondary insult such as hypoxia or hypotension, and was found to have an unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Serum concentration and kinetics of S-100B protein and NSE provide the clinical assessment of the primary brain damage and have a predictive value for outcome after traumatic brain injury.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2004

A case of progressive myelopathy with atlas hypoplasia in an infant: controversy in the surgical strategy.

CASE REPORT: The authors report a case of isolated atlas hypoplasia in an 18-month-old infant who experienced delayed motor development confined to the lower extremities, in the absence of other clinical features. Nonetheless, MRI revealed the upper cervical cord to be highly compressed with a high signal intensity lesion apparent at the craniovertebral junction. The patient underwent atlas laminectomy in addition to occipital decompression, resulting in a good neurological recovery. DISCUSSION: We speculate on the significance of this unique clinical presentation and discuss surgical strategies for this condition.

Cranial Fossa, Posterior↗

PubMed2004

Transplantation of transduced retinal pigment epithelium in rats.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of transplanting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells transduced with neurotrophic factor genes into the subretinal space of rats. METHODS: RPE cells were transduced with plasmids carrying the cDNAs of Axokine (ciliary neurotrophic factor [CNTF]; Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), brain derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) genes. These RPE cells were transplanted into the subretinal space of rats, and the localization was examined. The expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-BDNF-transduced RPE in the subretinal space was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after the transplanted cells were collected by cell sorting. The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and -II after gene transduction was examined by real-time PCR. The ratio of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and antibody production against transplanted cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The transplant sites were not significantly different among the neurotrophic factors tested. The RPE cells expressed the BDNF gene in the subretinal region at approximately the same level as that in vitro. RPE cells transduced with Axokine stimulated MHC-I expression, and the cell transplantation changed the ratio of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. A significant production of antibody against the Axokine-transduced RPE cells was also observed after Axokine-transduced RPE transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: RPE cells transduced with neurotrophic factors express the factors after transplantation into the subretinal space. RPE transduced with Axokine or bFGF, in contrast to RPE transduced with BDNF, stimulate an immunologic reaction of the host.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Photoreceptor protection by iris pigment epithelial transplantation transduced with AAV-mediated brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene.

PURPOSE: To determine whether subretinal transplantation of iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells transduced with the adeno-associated virus (AAV2)-mediated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene can protect photoreceptors against phototoxicity. METHODS: The BDNF gene was inserted into AAV2 (AAV2-BDNF), and the recombinant AAV2 was transduced into rat IPE (AAV2-BDNF-IPE) cells at various multiplicities of infection (MOI). The concentrations of AAV capsids and BDNF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The AAV2-BDNF-IPE cells were transplanted into the subretinal space of rats, and the rats were placed under constant light on days 1 and 90 after the transplantation. The thickness of the outer nuclear layer was measured in histologic sections and compared to that of control sections. The expression of beta-galactosidase (LacZ) in the subretinal space was confirmed by LacZ staining after AAV2-LacZ-IPE transplantation. BDNF gene expression after transplantation was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Transduction efficiency increased with successive days in culture and increased with higher MOI in vitro. The expression of the BDNF gene in the subretinal space was higher in AAV-BDNF-IPE than with AAV2-LacZ-IPE or with IPE-only transplantation. LacZ expression was observed in the subretinal space 7 and 90 days after transplantation. A statistically significant photoreceptor protection was observed on days 1 and 90 in eyes receiving the AAV2-BDNF-IPE transplant, in both the superior transplant site and the inferior hemispheres which did not receive the transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of AAV2-BDNF-IPE cells may be an alternative method of delivering neurotrophic factors to the lesion.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Branch retinal artery occlusion: a complication of iron-deficiency anemia in a young adult with a rectal carcinoid.

We report a case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) in a patient with iron-deficiency anemia. Various ophthalmological and laboratory studies were performed. A 32-year-old man had a sudden decrease of vision in his left eye to counting fingers at 30 cm two days ago. The left fundus showed a cherry-red spot and milky-white edema, except for the upper temporal region of the macula, and an optic disc malformation. Fluorescein angiography revealed leakage from the disc and a slightly delayed filling time in the left eye but an arterial filling defect was not noted. The differential diagnosis in this young patient includes polycythemia, hypercoagulopathy, coagulation abnormalities, trauma, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Laboratory examinations revealed no abnormalities except for iron-deficiency anemia. The patient was treated with stellate ganglion block, hyperbaric oxygen, and ferrous sulfate. His visual acuity never recovered to better than 0.08. He had a coincidental rectal carcinoid and the tumor was excised surgically. No metastasis was observed. BRAO can be a complication of anemic retinopathy and can lead to severe visual loss without early medication.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Intracranial metastasis of pituitary adenoma: a case report].

Growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma is usually benign, and distant metastases are extremely rare. A case of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma with multiple dural metastases is reported. A 53-year-old male was initially admitted to our hospital complaining of visual loss, presenting a pituitary abnormal mass with suprasellar extension. At the initial surgery, transsphenoidal surgery was selected, and the histological finding was benign pituitary adenoma. Seven and 16 months after the initial surgery, second and third surgeries via a transcranium route were performed for recurrence of the pituitary tumor. Histological findings revealed an appearance similar to the initial tumor in both surgical specimens. After the third operation, radiation therapy (local irradiation: total; 44 Gy) was performed. Six years after the first surgery, three tumors were located in the right frontal, parietal convexity and cerebellar tentorium. The tumors were totally removed by 4th and 5th surgeries. Histological examination showed malignant transformation from the primary benign growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma, with dural metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining with MIB-1 antibody demonstrated a high index of 7%. The patient is still alive after more than one year since the diagnosis of distant metastasis. According to previous reviews, few patients have survived more than one year. We conclude patients with benign pituitary adenoma should be carefully followed up for fear of malignant transformation or dural metastasis.

Adenoma↗

PubMed2004

[A multicentric glioma presenting different pathological appearances: a case report].

We report a multicentric glioma case which revealed different pathological appearances. A 45-year-old male had been admitted to our hospital complaining of an attack of transient sudden aphasia. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), T1-weighted images revealed a low intensity and T2-weighted images demonstrated a homogeneous high intensity abnormal mass in the frontal lobe, which was not enhanced with gadolinium. Removal of the tumor was performed through a right frontal transcortical approach in March, 2002. Histological diagnosis was gemistocytic astrocytoma. The patient's condition was uneventful and postoperative MRI revealed a marked decrease in the volume of the tumor. A total of 54 Gy radiation to the brain in the locality was performed. Four months after the initial surgery, the patient suffered from incomplete right hemiparesis. MRI showed a left parietal abnormal mass which had a ring formation enhancement after gadolinium administration. This Neuro-radiological examination demonstrated complete independence from the initial right frontal tumor. A second surgery which was concerned with cyst aspiration was carried out on August 10, 2002. During the next month, a third operation for partial removal of a left parietal abnormal mass was performed. Histological diagnosis was anaplastic astrocytoma. The right frontal and left parietal tumors revealed neither continuous relation suggesting intracerebral invasion, nor dissemination through the subarachnoid space nor intracerebral metastasis. Our case was diagnosed as multicentric glioma with different pathological appearances, of which only 9 cases have been reported previously.

Astrocytoma↗

PubMed2004

[Therapeutic effect of spinal cord stimulation for a patient suffering spasticity after hypoxia of the brain].

We reported a case of severe spasticity of the bilateral upper and lower limbs which was improved by cervical spinal cord stimulation (SCS). A 53-year-old man was suffering from sudden cardiopulmonary arrest while walking. After receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 40 minutes, his cardiopulmonary function re-started, but he failed to regain consciousness. MRI revealed a hypoxic brain in his bilateral basal ganglia and occipital lobes. After 2 months, his consciousness advanced to a vegetative state and the muscle tone of his bilateral upper and lower limbs deteriorated to severe spasticity. SCS was performed in the expectation of improving his consciousness. Contrary to this anticipated result, his vegetative state continued but the severe spasticity of his upper and lower limbs improved during the SCS. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during the period of stimulation revealed a high blood flow, especially in the area of the basal ganglia, thalamus, brain stem and cerebellum, compared with off-stimulation blood flow. The neurophysiologic mechanisms of these abnormal fields and the underlying aberrant afferent nerve impulses from the posterior funiculus in the cervical cord to the cerebral sensory cortex, which may indeed be secondary to ischemic brain, may be regulated by SCS, also adding the effect of increased blood flow to the brain.

Brain↗

PubMed2004

[Spontaneous regression of primary central nervous system lymphoma: a case report].

A rare case of primary central nervous system lymphoma that regressed spontaneously as shown on serial cranial magnetic resonance imagings (MRI) is described. A 60-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a well-enhanced mass lesion in the cerebellum although MRI had demonstrated no abnormal findings 4 months before admission. On admission, She complained of headache, but no neurological deficits were observed. The patient underwent exploratory craniotomy and the tumor was partially removed on February 14. Pathologic examination suspected B-cell type of malignant lymphoma. Postoperative MRI performed on February 23, 2001 showed disappearance of the mass lesion without further treatment. Different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays detected clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements in paraffin-embedded tissues diagnosed as B-cell lymphoma. The patient was discharged without any neurological deficits for two weeks and was followed up on MRI. One year after operation, MRI revealed an abnormal finding in the cerebellum without apparent neurological deterioration. Radiation therapy of the whole brain and the local site was carried out with a total dose of 50Gy. MRI demonstrated complete remission of the tumor following radiation therapy. She was admitted again to our hospital with right hemiparesis on May, 2003. Subsequently, systemic chemotherapy was carried out. The patient died 2 years and 10 months after her initial presentation.

Cerebellar Neoplasms↗

PubMed2004

[An autopsy case with cerebral histoplasmoma: case report].

Histoplasma capsulatum infection is, for the most part, asymptomatic or of little clinical consequence. Disseminated infection due to H. capsulatum is rather uncommon. Clinically apparent infection of central nervous system (CNS) is rare, and involves in 10 to 50% of patients with disseminated histoplasmosis. Although CNS histoplasmosis is frequently fetal or only discovered as an autopsy, some patients can be effectively treated with anti-fungal agents. We describe a 44-year-old civil man who is engineering contractor with headache without evidence of systemic infection. Magnetic resonance imaging showed enhancing masses in the third and forth ventricles, right interpeduncular cistern, and right cerebello-pontine angle. After biopsy of what was presumed to be a malignant lymphoma, the patient died of rapidly progressive multiple cerebral infarctions. The autopsy revealed the CNS histoplasmoma disseminating systemically. And we finally diagnosed him as histoplasmoma by gene analysis. It was extremely difficult to make a diagnosis based on his physical and radiological findings because it should be included in the differential diagnosis of a well or ring enhanced lesion. It is very important to ask patients about their birthplace, past illness, occupation, and where they had traveled. In the present case, the patient working for the construction has visited many countries including the African Continent and Central America. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in patients who are from any area endemic for histoplasmosis. The clinical, radiological and pathological features of this infection were reviewed in this report.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Acute spontaneous subdural hematoma of arterial origin].

BACKGROUND: Acute subdural hematoma is usually associated with cerebral contusion or laceration of the bridging veins following a head injury. However, several cases of acute subdural hematoma without head injury (acute spontaneous subdural hematoma) have been reported. METHODS: Among 162 cases of acute subdural hematoma admitted to our departments between 1996 and 2003, we repoort eight cases of acute spontaneous subdural hematoma. These cases fulfilled the following criteria. 1) Head injury was either trivial or absent. 2) Neither aneurysm nor arteriovenous malformation was apparent. 3) CT scan revealed neither brain contusion nor traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. 4) At operation, laceration of the cortical artery was observed. In this article, we describe the clinical feature (age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] Score on admission, past history, CT appearance, and outcome) associated with this condition. RESULTS: Patients ranged in age from 68 to 85 years (average 74.8 years), and were comprised of 3 males and 5 females. Previous medical history included cerebral infarction in 6 of the 8 patients and myocardial infarction in 1 patient. These seven patients were taking antiplatelet manifestation. GCS on admission ranged from 4 to 13. Five of the 7 patients on antiplatelet medication had secondary insults, such as hypoxia. On CT, hematoma thickness ranged from 13.2mm to 42.5mm (average 22.6mm), and midline shift ranged from 10.0mm to 24.0mm (average 16.5mm). Neurological outcome evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale was as follows, good recovery n = 2, moderate disability n = 2, severe disability n = 3, persistent vegetative state n = 1. CONCLUSION: The mechanism of acute spontaneous subdural hematoma is influenced by the presence of pre-existing cerebrovascular disease and by the use of antiplatelet agents. In such cases, the possibility of cortical arterial bleeding should be taken into account, and craniotomy should be performed.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Interferon gamma expression and clinical features in patients with acute retinal necrosis syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) has been reported to play an important role during virus infections. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between IFN-gamma expression and the clinical course of patients with acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARN) associated with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). METHODS: Six patients with ARN were studied. The aqueous and/or vitreous were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay during the follow-up period. The presence of VZV genome was also determined by PCR. The results were correlated with the clinical data and features and compared with patients with other ocular diseases. RESULTS: A statistically significant higher level of IFN-gamma was detected in the aqueous and/or vitreous in eyes with ARN than in eyes with other ocular diseases. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the level of IFN-gamma in the vitreous and the final visual acuity. IFN-gamma was reduced to undetectable levels within 30 days after the initial eye symptoms. Three of five patients had severe inflammation initially, and the visual acuity gradually recovered with the disappearance of VZV and higher levels of IFN-gamma. Conversely, the other 2 patients showed mild inflammation, had a slow decrease of visual acuity with persistent VZV, and lower levels of IFN-gamma expression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that IFN-gamma may be one of the factors that plays an important role in the clinical course of VZV-associated ARN.

Acyclovir↗