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Updated: Jul 24, 2026
Laser-Induced Chronic Ocular Hypertension Model on SD Rats
Published on: December 4, 2007
Inhibitory effect of losartan on laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in rats
T Hikichi1, F Mori, A Takamiya
1Department of Ophthalmology, Asahikawa Medical College, 2-1 Midorigaoka-higashi, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan. hikichi@asahikawa-med.ac.jp
Purpose:
To investigate the inhibitory effects of losartan, an angiotensin receptor antagonist, on angiogenesis in a rat model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization.
Methods:
Experimental study. Fifteen Brown-Norway male rats received losartan (approximately 5 mg/kg/d) in drinking water, and 15 Brown-Norway male rats received unsupplemented drinking water 1 week before photocoagulation, and it was continued to the end of the study. Two weeks after intense laser photocoagulation, choroidal neovascularization was evaluated by fluorescein angiography and histopathologic evaluation.
Results:
The incidence of choroidal neovascularization formation was 99.5 +/-.2% (mean +/- standard deviation) in controls and 72.5 +/- 8.8% in losartan-treated rats (P <.01). Quantitative morphometric assessment revealed mean choroidal neovascularization lesion thickness of 54 and 44.8 microm, respectively, in controls and losartan-treated rats (P <.01).
Conclusion:
Losartan seems to inhibit development of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Angiotensin receptor antagonists may be useful as prophylaxis against choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration.
