Article
Imaging modalities in an experimental mouse model of choroidal neovascularization
Search Medline for
Authors
Published: | June 15, 2011 |
---|
Outline
Text
Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate new imaging modalities of the fundus in a model of choroidal neovascularization in mice which enable long term in-vivo monitoring.
Methods: Using a slit lamp adaptor, six to ten laser spots (200 mW, 0,1 second duration) were positioned in between the large retinal blood vessels in the fundus of wild-type mice, thus retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruchs membrane were ruptured. One, two and three weeks after laser, near infrared-, SD-OCT- and fluorescein angiography images were obtained. Afterwards, eyes were enucleated for histological examination.
Results: The laserspots were well defined in near infrared imaging. Degeneration of the RPE in laserspots could be well determined in SD-OCT. The near infrared imaging detected hyperreflective rimbs, which displayed enlargement over time. These rimbs showed thickend inner and outer retina in SD-OCT. Increased autofluorescence was first detectable after three weeks. On fluorescein angiography, increasing hyperfluorescent areas over time could be detected in and around the laserspots, representing leckage.
Conclusion: In-vivo monitoring of the development of choroidal neovascularization in the laser-induced mouse model is feasible. The described imaging modalities enable in-vivo montoring of new therapeutic approaches of choroidal neovascularization in mice and reduce the number of animals to be sacrified for histology.