title: In vivo evaluation of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the in vivo evolution of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Laser photocoagulation was applied to the mouse fundus using a 532-nm diode laser (100, 150, and 200 mW; 100-μm diameter, 0.1-second duration). SD-OCT examination was performed immediately after laser application and at days 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after laser. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed at day 5, 7, 14, and 28. Acquired SD-OCT images were analyzed to describe morphologic features, measure CNV size and retinal thickness, and assess the frequency of lesions resulting in fluid accumulation. Finally, SD-OCT images were compared to fluorescein angiograms and histologic sections with immunostaining at similar time points.
  
  
  RESULTS
  SD-OCT allowed visualization of the initial laser damage and the subsequent stages of the injury response. CNV formation reached its maximum size at day 5. By day 7, significant size reduction was observed (P < 0.001), continuing through days 14 and 28. Exudation signs, such as fluid accumulation and increase in retinal thickness, followed the same time course, with a peak at day 5 and a decrease by day 7. Delivery of higher laser energy levels to the RPE/choroid complex resulted in a significant percentage of lesions demonstrating excessive chorioretinal damage without CNV formation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SD-OCT is a fast and reliable tool for the in vivo evaluation of laser-induced CNV, allowing quantification of lesion size and exudation parameters. Moreover, it provides morphologic information that correlates with histologic findings.
authors.affiliation: Angiogenesis and Laser Laboratories, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giani
authors.forename: Aristomenis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thanos
authors.forename: Mi In
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Roh
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Trichonas
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Evangelos
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gragoudas
authors.forename: Demetrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vavvas
authors.forename: Joan W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D016570:Bruch Membrane / Q000601:surgery; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers