Acute anterior uveitis: clinical and experimental aspects.

Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) or iritis is an inflammatory disorder of the anterior structures of the eye that may be associated with a number of disease entities. A significant proportion of patients will have no evidence of an underlying disorder and are labeled as idiopathic. Within this group approximately 50% will possess the human leukocyte antigen, HLA-B27, and some will have an associated spondyloarthropathy such as ankylosing spondylitis or Reiter's syndrome. Nevertheless, a number of HLA-B27-positive patients have no apparent underlying rheumatic disorder. The potential interplay of HLA-B27 and certain infective agents in the pathogenesis of AAU is discussed with particular reference to Yersinia species. Presentation of a uveitogenic peptide, similar to the arthritogenic peptide model in spondyloarthropathies, may be a mechanism involved in the development of AAU. Experimental models in animals have increased our understanding of the roles of retinal proteins and bacterial peptides, as well as T cells and cytokines, in the pathogenesis of uveitis. As in animal models of arthritis, certain retinal peptides (in conjunction with adjuvant therapy) can induce uveitis in animals. The treatment of isolated AAU usually involves topical medication and the prognosis is good. Occasional cases, especially those associated with systemic disorders, may require the addition of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.