Primate model of uveoretinitis and vasculitis/experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis induced in cynomolgus monkeys by retinal s antigen.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the clinical and angiographic changes in an experimental model of autoimmune uveoretinitis and vasculitis in primates. METHODS: Six cynomolgus monkeys received a single subcutaneous immunization with 100 microg of human S antigen with complete Freund's adjuvant. RESULTS: All the animals had a bilateral long-term disease occurring usually in 1 eye approximately 4 weeks after immunization, the second eye being involved 1-5 weeks later. A cyclic course of the disease could be demonstrated by repeated fundus fluorescein angiograms. The initial and principal manifestation consisted in retinal vascular sheathing affecting veins and venules. The more severe forms showed areas of posterior uveoretinitis, dense vitritis and anterior uveitis. CONCLUSION: A single systemic injection of pure human retinal S antigen could induce a chronic and recurrent ocular disease similar to human retinal vasculitis.