Polymorphonuclear leukocyte kinetics in experimentally induced keratitis.

The movement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) into inflamed corneas was studied using a quantitative technique to measure PMNL chemotaxis in vivo. Our studies suggested that, in this model, most PMNLs enter the cornea through limbal vessels. A variety of bacterial agents, including viable bacteria, killed bacteria, culture filtrates, and endotoxin, were found to induce a significant corneal inflammatory response. Of the agents tested, viable Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced greatest inflammation. Host factors (serum, PMNLs) also induced movement of PMNLs into corneas, but only after preincubation with activating agents. Normal serum, resting PMNLs, and PMNL lysates derived from resting cells did not promote PMNL corneal ingress. These studies provide further insight into the movement of PMNLs into the inflamed cornea and information that may be of use in developing techniques to inhibit the corneal inflammatory response.