Threshold and retreatment parameters of NPe6 photodynamic therapy in retinal and choroidal vessels.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the threshold fluence for producing choroidal and retinal vascular occlusion with mono-L-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) photodynamic therapy (PDT) during primary treatment and the effect of retreatment.


METHODS
Primary treatment: Rats, rabbits, and monkeys underwent NPe6 PDT to determine the threshold fluences for choroidal and retinal vessel occlusion. The threshold was determined by analyzing fluorescein angiograms for areas of nonperfusion. Retreatment: Dutch-belted rabbits underwent NPe6 PDT followed by fluorescein angiography. Rabbits were retreated one week later at the same parameters.


RESULTS
Fluence levels and vascular damage thresholds were always higher for retinal than for choroidal vascular occlusion. Retreatment caused choroidal vessel closure at all tested fluences but retinal capillaries closed only at a fluence > 17.7 J/cm2.


CONCLUSIONS
NPe6 PDT has a lower threshold to occlude choroidal vessels than retinal vessels. The cumulative effect of retreatment does not damage retinal vessels unless the threshold is exceeded during a single retreatment session.
LSU Eye Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA.
G A
GA
Peyman
A A
AA
Kazi
D
D
Moshfeghi
M
M
Unal
B
B
Khoobehi
S
S
Yoneya
K
K
Mori
I
I
Rivera
D000818:Animals; D002829:Choroid / Q000098:blood supply*; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D012008:Recurrence; D015356:Retinal Artery Occlusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000187:drug effects*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; C053434:Talaporfin