An experimental model of acute immune-complex uveitis.

We developed an experimental model of anterior uveitis by injecting ovalbumin or bovine serum albumin into the anterior chamber of sensitized rabbits. All the eyes showed leakage of serum proteins into the aqueous humor within 30 min. and developed uveitis within 24 hrs. which lasted at least a week. On histological examination, large numbers of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes and only occasional mononuclear cells were seen in the iris, the ciliary body and the irido-corneal angle. Immunohistological examination revealed 7s gamma globulin in the walls of blood vessels, in the interstitium and inside the PMN leucocytes. Contact radiographs of eyes challenged repeatedly showed extensive neovascularization of the iris and ciliary body.