Effect of C3 depletion on experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa ocular infection: histopathological analysis.

The ocular histopathological response of C3-depleted and normal DBA/2J mice was compared after corneal scarification and experimental infection with topically applied Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Normal, non-C3-depleted mice were capable of mounting a vigorous polymorphonuclear leukocyte response at 24 h after bacterial challenge and eventually restored corneal clarity. In contrast, C3-depleted animals responded at 24 h to the ocular bacterial challenge with a decreased number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes migrating into the cornea. Additionally, the eyes of C3-depleted mice exhibited persistence of bacteria, cataract of the ocular lens, and loss of vision.