Comparative examination of two methods for modeling autoimmune uveitis

Introduction. Uveitis is a disease of the uveal tract, characterized by a variety of causes and clinical manifestations. The internal antigens prevail often in the pathogenesis of disease and develop the so-called autoimmune reactions. The uveitis treatment has an important medico-social significance because of the high prevalence of uveitis, the significant rate of the disease in young people, and high disability. The article compares the efficiency of two methods for modeling autoimmune uveitis. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted on 6 rabbits of the Chinchilla breed (12 eyes). Two models of experimental uveitis were reproduced on rabbits using normal horse serum during the research. A clinical examination of the inflammatory process course in the eyes was carried out by biomicroscopy using a slit lamp, and a direct ophthalmoscope. Histological and immunological examinations were conducted by the authors of the article. Results. The faster-reproducing and vivid clinical picture of the disease was observed in the second group. The obvious changes in the immunological status of the animals were noted also: an increase in the number of leukocytes, neutrophils, HCT-active neutro-phils, and activation of phagocytosis. Discussion and Conclusions. The research has showed that the second model of uveitis is the most convenient working variant, which is characterized by high activity and duration of the inflammatory process in the eye.