A new model of subretinal neovascularization in the rabbit.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a new model of subretinal neovascularization (SRN) in the rabbit by implanting basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-impregnated gelatin microspheres beneath the retina.


METHODS
Basic fibroblast growth factor-impregnated gelatin microspheres were prepared by forming a polyion complex between gelatin and bFGF. The microspheres, containing 2.5 micrograms of bFGF, were injected into the subretinal space of rabbit eyes (n = 29). Control eyes (n = 10) received bFGF-free gelatin microspheres. Eyes were followed up for 3 days to 8 weeks by ophthalmoscopy, photography, fluorescein angiography, light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Twenty of 24 experimental eyes (83%) showed fluorescein leakage from SRN 2 weeks after implantation of the bFGF-impregnated microspheres. This leakage continued for 2 to 6 more weeks. In striking contrast, control eyes showed no fluorescein leakage. Histologic examination revealed SRN in all the experimental eyes but in none of the control eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Subretinal implantation of bFGF-impregnated gelatin microspheres induces reproducible SRN in the rabbit.
Kimura
H
H
Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Sakamoto
T
T
Hinton
D R
DR
Spee
C
C
Ogura
Y
Y
Tabata
Y
Y
Ikada
Y
Y
Ryan
S J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D005780:Gelatin; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology*; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure
D004337:Drug Carriers; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D005780:Gelatin