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. 2012:900:443-69.
doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-720-4_22.

Rodent models of experimental autoimmune uveitis

Rajeev K Agarwal  1 , Phyllis B Silver, Rachel R Caspi
Affiliations

Rodent models of experimental autoimmune uveitis

Rajeev K Agarwal et al. Methods Mol Biol. 2012.

Abstract

The model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in mice and in rats is described. EAU targets immunologically privileged retinal antigens and serves as a model of autoimmune uveitis in humans as well as a model for autoimmunity in a more general sense. EAU is a well-characterized, robust, and reproducible model that is easily followed and quantitated. It is inducible with synthetic peptides derived from retinal autoantigens in commonly available strains of rats and mice. The ability to induce EAU in various gene-manipulated, including HLA-transgenic, mouse strains makes the EAU model suitable for the study of basic mechanisms as well as in clinically relevant interventions.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Clinical appearance of EAU in the Lewis rat by anterior chamber examination. (a) Normal eye; translucent appearance; pupil and iris blood vessels are clearly visible and the vessels are not congested. (b) Uveitic eye; the eye appears larger due to swelling and proptosis; red reflex is absent and pupil is obscured.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Clinical appearance of EAU in the B10.RIII mouse by fundoscopic exam. Eyes were photographed with a fundus camera during the acute phase of disease (day 14–21). The range of disease severity scores parallel the pathological scores in Fig. 3. (Figure adapted from reference 69).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Histopathology of EAU in the B10.RIII mouse. Eyes were collected from B10.RIII mice 21 days after uveitogenic immunization with IRBP, representing a range of disease scores. (Figure adapted from references 49, 69). EAU in the rat shows essentially the same type of histopathology.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Protocol for induction of autoimmune uveitis in B10.RIII mice with antigen-pulsed DCs (54).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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