[Experimental autoimmune uveo-retinitis (EAU): cellular immunity and humoral antibodies in the induction of ocular lesions and tolerance to retinal antigens]

Abstract

EAU is induced in guinea pigs by one inoculation into the foot-pad of a retinal extract in complete Freund's adjuvant. The evolution of the antibodies (complement fixation) is compared with the évolution of the disease (intensity evaluated by frequent ophthalmological examinations). The successful passive transfer of the disease by local injections of immune serum and the demonstration by immunofluorescence of immune complexes in the ocular tissues are arguments for the role of humoral antibodies in the induction of the disease. EAUmay be inhibited by repeated subcutaneous or intradermal injections of the antigen, either before or after the onset of the inflammation. These injections depress the delayed hypersensitivity and increase the titre of complement fixing and passive anaphylactic antibodies.