Demonstration of macrophage chemotactic factors in the aqueous humor during experimental immunogenic uveitis in rabbits.

Factors in the queous humor capable of increasing the random migration and chemotaxis of monocytes were demonstrated during experimental uveitis in the rabbit. Injection of endotoxin-free human serum albumin into the vitreous produced a severe inflammation detectable after 7 days and maximal between 12 to 21 days. Aqueous humor was measured for chemotactic activity with a modified Boyden chamber, which permitted the use of volumes of less than 0.025 ml. Chematactic activity was measurable during the primary inflammation and remained elevated for a short period of time after clinical inflammation and anterior chamber cellular reaction had decreased. A severe reinduction uveitis could be initiated by the intravenous injection of human serum albumin after day 30. Chemotactic factors could be measured at high titers by 8 h after this intravenous challenge.