[A rabbit model for human cytomegalovirus retinitis].
OBJECTIVE
To develop a rabbit model for human cytomegalovirus(HCMV) retinitis.


METHODS
0.1 ml of 1 x 10(6) plaque forming units/ml HCMV was injected into the vitreous cavity of 10 pigmented rabbit eyes. The eyes were examined ophthalmoscopically on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 and once a week thereafter until 4 weeks after inoculation. Vitreal and retinal findings were graded from 0+ to 4+ on a scale of increasing severity. In addition, we examined the enucleated eyes 3 weeks after HCMV inoculation by histological and immunohistochemical techniques.


RESULTS
All injected eyes developed vitreoretinal lesions. Vitreous opacities appeared the next day and increased until 4 days after HCMV inoculation. Whitish retinal exudates occurred on day 3 and increased until 3 weeks after HCMV inoculation. Vitreoretinal lesions then disappeared by 4 weeks after inoculation. Histological examination revealed intraretinal infiltration of inflammatory cells and disorganization of the inner retinal architecture. HCMV antigens were detected inside the retina by immunofluorescence using anti early protein antibody against HCMV.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that this rabbit model can be useful to develop and evaluate a new treatment modality for cytomegalovirus retinitis.
Matsuda
Y
Y
Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya City University Medical School, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.
Sakurai
E
E
Ozeki
H
H
Kunou
N
N
Nakajima
K
K
Ogura
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D017726:Cytomegalovirus Retinitis; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits