Rabbit Retinal Neovascularization Induced by Latex Angiogenic-Derived Fraction: An Experimental Model

• Published in: Current eye research 2010-01, Vol.35 (1), p.56-62
• Main Authors: Sampaio, R. B., Mendonca, R. J., Simioni, A. R., Costa, R. A., Siqueira, R. C., Correa, V. M., Tedesco, A. C., Haddad, A., Coutinho Netto, J., Jorge, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Angiogenesis Inducing Agents - toxicity; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Carriers; Experimental model; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Lactic Acid; Latex; Latex - toxicity; Microspheres; Neovascularization; Ophthalmoscopy; Polyglycolic Acid; Rabbits; Retinal Neovascularization - chemically induced; Retinal Neovascularization - diagnosis; Retinal vascular diseases; Retinal Vessels - drug effects; Retinal Vessels - pathology; Sustained release system; Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
• ISSN: 0271-3683; 1460-2202
• DOI: 10.3109/02713680903374216

Purpose: To create a retinal neovascularization experimental model using intravitreal injection of microspheres loaded with latex-derived angiogenic fraction. Methods: Thirty-two albino New Zealand rabbits, divided in 4 groups of 8 animals, were enrolled in this study. Rabbits in groups I, II, and III received one intravitreal injection of PLGA (L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres with 10, 30, and 50 µg of latex-derived angiogenic fraction into their right eyes, respectively, and group IV received 0.1 ml of microspheres without the angiogenic fraction. Weekly follow-up with ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography was performed; the rabbits were sacrificed in the 4th week and their eyes processed for light microscopy. Results: All eyes from group I demonstrated increased retinal vascular tortuosity, observed from 14 days after injection and maintained for 28 days, otherwise without new vessels detection. All group II eyes showed vascular changes similar to group I. Fifty percent of the eyes from group II rabbits developed retinal neovascularization 21 days after injection. All eyes from group III demonstrated significant vascular tortuosity and retinal new vessels 2 weeks after injection, progressing to fibrovascular proliferation and tractional retinal detachment. No vascular changes or retinal new vessels were observed in group IV eyes. Light microscopy confirmed the existence of new vessels previously seen on fluorescein angiography, in retinal sections adjacent to the optic disc, not observed in sections at the same area in the control group. Conclusion: Thirty- and 50-µg microspheres containing latex-derived angiogenic fraction injected into the vitreous cavity induced retinal neovascularization in rabbits.