Purpose: To compare histopathological and biochemical effects of the anti-TNF-alpha drugs adalimumab and infliximab in a uveitis experimental model.
Methods: Histopathological evaluation was performed 24 h after endotoxin (200 microg into the footpad) and drug administration, as well as biochemical analysis of oxidative stress-related markers in the aqueous humor.
Results: Severe inflammation was found in rat anterior chamber of the eye 24 h after endotoxin. Only infliximab administration partially prevented the endotoxin-induced disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier, as well as the increase in Rantes and MCP-1 concentration in aqueous humor. Both drugs ameliorated the histopathological score after endotoxin. Biochemical analysis revealed that both drugs protected against endotoxin-induced oxidative stress, restoring all markers to control levels, except infliximab, which failed to restore GSH concentration.
Conclusions: Both anti-TNF-alpha drugs were effective in reducing histopathological inflammation but their mechanism of action appears to be different.