Catgut implantation at acupoints (CIA) has a long history as a medical treatment for a wide variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases. However, the effect and mechanism of this therapy in autoimmune uveitis is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the immunity-inhibitory effect of CIA in an experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) rat model. EAU was established in Lewis rats by the injection of IRBP1177–1191 peptide. The rats were randomly divided into control and CIA groups. Phenotypic and histological assessments were performed days 9, 13, 18, 23 post-immunization. The percentage of Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes isolated from lymph nodes were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ was detected by real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the CIA group, delayed mild inflammation was observed. Pathological investigation found alleviated infiltration of lymphocytes and ocular damage. Flow cytometry showed significantly decreased Th17 lymphocytes at day 9, 13, and 18 post-immunization (P
