Vasculo-occlusive Retinopathy in Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis

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Abstract
Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis was produced in rhesus monkeys of various ages by injection of guinea pig spinal cord antigen with complete Freund's adjuvant. The eye complications were studied clinically in 24 animals and histologically in 21. In addition to perivascular granulomatous lesions in the optic nerve which have been repeatedly described, signs of vasculoocclusive retinopathy were observed in about 70% of the monkeys. The earliest histologic changes in the retina included obstruction of small vessels by fibrin or fibrinoid accompanied by massive hemorrhages. The retinal damage was seen in all age groups. Mild uveitic reactions were noted frequently. The development of vascular pathology in the retina is a new finding in this autoimmune disease.