ABSTRACT

We aimed to perform histopathological analysis of models of experimental uveitis (EU) induced with bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions at various doses in order to determine the most appropriate dose of BSA. Right eyes of four rabbits were used. Three different BSA solutions were prepared: 100 μg/0.1 ml, 1 mg/0.1 ml and 10 mg/0.1 ml BSA solutions were applied intravitreally to the first rabbit, second rabbit and third rabbit respectively. Fourth rabbit was used as control. Uveitis formation was followed clinically and angiographically. Rabbits were sacrificed and eyes were enucleated at the end of the first week for histopathological analysis. In the first rabbit, mild anterior uveitic signs were seen. In the second rabbit, there was a moderate inflammation in the vitreous, retina and choroidea, as well as severe inflammatory cell infiltration in the ciliary tissue. In the third rabbit, there was a severe inflammatory reaction and congestion in the ciliary tissue. Severe inflammatory cell infiltration in the vitreous, retina and choroidea was also seen. The results suggested that intravitreal application of a single dose of 1 mg/0.1 ml BSA solution may induce a significant posterior uveitic reaction both angiographically and histopathologically.

Keywords: Bovine serum albumin, experimental uveitis, inflammation, intravitreal injection.