ABSTRACT
Uveitis is the term commonly used to denote any type of inflammation within the internal components of the eye. The term strictly used denotes inflammation of the uveal tract which encompasses the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid. Anterior uveitis or iritis refers to inflammation within the anterior chamber of the eye. Patients usually present with a red eye and complain of decreased vision, photophobia, increased lacrimation, and pain. Inflammation concentrated in the vitreous is known as intermediate uveitis. The immunosuppressive qualities of the fungal-derived endecapeptide Cyclosporine A (CsA) were first described by Jean-Francois Borei in 1976. This drug was subsequently used with great success in organ transplantation. Alterations in other immune paramaters were also observed in the CsA-treated rats. The draining lymph nodes of the CsA-treated animals were significantly smaller than the controls and a lower number of T helper/inducer cells was found in the treated animals.
