Development of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in rats after retinal damage by sodium iodate injection.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the role of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the development of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by selective damage with sodium iodate (SI).


METHODS
In group 1, diode laser photocoagulation was applied to the right eye of Long-Evans rats (n = 11). In group 2 (n = 11), SI was administered intravenously at a dose of 40 mg/kg of body weight 2 days after photocoagulation. In group 3 (n = 10), SI was injected 2 days before laser was applied. In group 4 (n = 10), SI was injected immediately after photocoagulation.


RESULTS
CNV ingrowth developed in 42 of 93 burns (45%) of the laser group and in 46 of 75 burns (61%) when SI was administered 2 days after laser (p = 0.036). No CNV developed in the other groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The angiogenic effect of the RPE is essential during the first hours after the onset of the laser-induced CNV process. When the RPE was damaged before or at the time of photocoagulation, CNV was not induced. These results suggest that RPE integrity is a decisive element in CNV formation.
García-Layana
Alfredo
A
Department of Ophthalmology, University Clinic, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. aglayana@unav.es
Vásquez
Gustavo
G
Salinas-Alamán
Angel
A
Moreno-Montañés
Javier
J
Recalde
Sergio
S
Fernández-Robredo
Patricia
P
D000818:Animals; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007452:Iodates / Q000633:toxicity*; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D007452:Iodates; C032285:sodium iodate