ABSENCE OF INFECTIOUS RETINITIS AFTER INJECTION OF HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INTO RABBIT EYES

The rabbit model of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) retinitis was evaluat ed by preretinal and intravitreal injection of HCMV into rabbit eyes. Ocular disease was evaluated by indirect ophthalmoscopy, histopatholog y, and immunohistochemistry. Vitritis, optic nerve congestion, multipl e small white infiltrates in the cortical vitreous or on the retinal s urface, and retinal detachments were seen. Histopathologic examination showed inflammatory cell infiltration in the preretinal vitreous, opt ic nerve, and transiently in the superficial inner retina. Retinal str ucture was preserved except for changes in areas of retinal detachment . No necrosis or destruction of the retina was seen. Immunohistochemis try showed no evidence of cytomegalovirus infection. Inoculation of cu lture medium containing fetal calf serum caused a similar reaction. It is concluded that vitreous and retinal inoculation of HCMV in the rab bit eye caused nonspecific inflammation without evidence of infection, so this is not a suitable model for HCMV retinitis.