ABSTRACT
We have reported an animal model of human anterior uveitis in Lewis rats with bovine melanin associated antigen[BMAA] which has been named as experimental autoimmune anterior uveitis[EAAU]. Immunopathogenesis in this model during different clinical stages was examined by the immunohistochemical detection of CD4 , CD8 , ICAM-1 and LAF-1 which play an important role in immune and inflammatory response. After the separation of eyes, these eyes were sectioned by cryostat at 6micrometer thick sections and stored at -70degreesC. For immunohistochemical study monoclonal antibodies to CD4, CD8, ICAM-1, and LAF-1 were used. An increase of ICAM-1 expression was shown on the epithelial cells of uveal tissues before clinical sign of uveitis and followed by LFA-1 expression. And there was no staining in retinal pigment epithelium and cornea. In conclusion, the immunopathogenesis of EAAU appears to be mediated by T cells and cells expressing ICAM-1, LFA-1.