Experimental Uveitis Induced by Intravitreal or Intravenous Lipoteichoic Acid in Rabbits

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the role of lipoteichoic acid (LTA), one of the cell wall components in Gram-positive bacteria in uveitis. Methods: Intraocular inflammation in rabbit eyes was induced by intravitreal or intravenous injections of LTA from Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus sanguis. The inflammation was monitored progressively with the laser flare-cell photometer, and examined by periodic clinical observations. Histological examinations were performed 24 hours after administration, and aqueous protein concentrations and cell counts were also determined. Results: Intraocular inflammation appeared within 6–9 hours of LTA intravitreal injection, became maximal at about 24–48 hours postinjection, and lasted for nearly 6 days. Intraocular inflammation was also induced by intravenous injection of LTA at a higher dose. Inflammation reached a peak 4–5 hours after injection, and rapidly disappeared in 24 hours. No cellular response was observed in intravenous LTA-treated eyes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that LTAs from Gram-positive bacteria have the biological activity to induce intraocular inflammation in rabbits by intravitreal or intravenous injection. Therefore, we suggest that LTA may play a role in the pathogenesis of uveitis as one of the etiological factors.