Inflammatory cells and cytokines production in chalazia

Purpose Aim of the present study was to localize the different types of inflammatory cells and cytokines in chalazion lesions to determine the sequence of events in cellular reaction. Methods Fifty four chalazia surgically removed by excision were fixed in Bouin’s solution and imbedded in paraffin. For immunohistochemical studies we used CD68, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RO, lactoferrin antibodies to detect respectively macrophages, T cells, T helper, T cytotoxic, mature activated T lymphocytes and neutrophils. For detection of cytokines we used IFN gamma and TNF alpha antibodies. The EnVision peroxidase detection system were used and the immmunoreactivity was visualized with diaminobenzidine. Results Large numbers of macrophages infiltrated the stroma around the alveoli and the glandular tissue of the chalazion lesions. Lower numbers of the neutrophils were found with similar distribution to macrophages. CD3(+) lymphocytes also accumulated in large numbers in the stroma, around the glands, and in the areas of granulomatous inflammation indicating an association with macrophages and neutrophils. Within the T-cell population, numerous CD8(+) cells, fewer CD4(+) cells, many CD45RO(+) cells were present. Positivity for IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha was showed in granulomatous areas and near vessels. Conclusion These cells play a significant role in the formation of the chalazion lesion. Neutrophils might be recruited into granulomatous lesions from the blood and may subsequently promote inflammatory cells accumulation both by direct cell to cell interactions and through the interaction of cytokines. The presence of IFN-gamma and TNF alpha suggests that these cytokines play a paracrine role in chalazion inflammation