[Blood flow velocity in the central retinal artery of exotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits].

PURPOSE

Exotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbit eyes was established by intravitreal inoculation of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Association between findings of pulsed Doppler assessments and histological features were evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eyes of rabbits were unilaterally inoculated with 50 ng/kg of intravitreal SEB. Pupil diameter, blood flow velocity in the central retinal artery in both eyes and heart rate were measured using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus after inoculation.

RESULTS

The pupil diameter and the mean blood flow velocity in central retinal arteries decreased and reached a trough 3-5 hours after the inoculation, then increased. Pulsatility index showed reciprocal fluctuations. Histological features at the early phase after inoculation revealed lymphocytic, plasmacytic, and polynuclear leukocytic infiltrations around the anterior chamber, limbal conjunctivae, ciliary body, and nerve fiber layer of the retina, followed by recovery after about 5 days. At the late phase, recurrent inflammations in the ciliary body and intravitreal space were observed in addition to invasion into the rod and cone layer.

CONCLUSION

Early and late phase uveitis was established by intravitreal SEB. It is considered that the uveitis may be caused by two different regulatory mechanisms.