Conjunctival epithelium expression of HLA-DR in glaucoma patients and its influence on the outcome of filtration surgery

Aims-To analyse the expression of HLA-DR on conjunctival epithelial cells in patients with glaucoma taking topical antiglaucoma therapy. Methods-10 patients taking no topical medication and 30 patients with uncontrolled glaucoma taking medical therapy participated in the study. The specimens were obtained by impression cytology preoperatively, 3 months, and 6 months after filtration surgery. The expression of HLA-DR on T lymphocytes and epithelial cells was analysed by flow cytometry. Results-A significant increase in HLA-DR on epithelial cells was found preoperatively in patients with glaucoma. A significant increased expression of HLA-DR on epithelial cells was detected 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Conclusions-The increased expression of HLA-DR on conjunctival epithelial cells still present 6 months after surgery indicates the increased ability of epithelial cells to induce immune inflammation with subsequent fibrosis.