Laser Burn to One Retina Causes Both Eyes to Lose Immune Privilege
March 1, 2009
Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute have published the results of a study in the February 2009 American Journal of Pathology showing that a laser burn to one retina can cause both eyes to lose immune privilege (a modification of the body’s normal immune response that protects the eye without the inflammation of the body’s normal immune response, which can further damage delicate eye tissue).
The discovery is significant because it suggests a previously unknown communication between the two eyes, according to Dr. Joan Stein Streilein, principal investigator of the study and senior scientist at Schepens Eye Research Institute. The next steps for the research team will be to study the novel mechanisms that allow for communication between the injured and non-injured eye.
Read the full press release on the Earth Times website.
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