Lipid hydroperoxide stimulates subretinal choroidal neovascularization in the rabbit

The authors sought to evaluate the effect of linoleic acid hydroperoxide (18:2/LHP) in promoting choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Albino male rabbits received a subretinal injection of various amounts of LHP (ranging from 5 to 200 microg) dissolved in 50 microl of sodium borate buffer. Control eyes received the buffer only. Eyes were examined up to 4 weeks later with indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. Animals were killed on days 3, 7, 14 or 28, and eyes examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. In eyes injected with LHP of 150-200 microg, exposed areas turned white as observed ophthalmoscopically and showed both severe retinal and choroidal atrophy histologically. Neither fluorescein leakage nor CNV was found in these eyes or in controls. In 33 eyes injected with LHP of 100 microg or less, prominent fluorescein leakage was seen in three (9%) and less prominent focal leakage in five (15%). In 11 (46%) of the 24 eyes injected with 12.5-50 microg LHP, CNV was found histologically. Subretinal injection of LHP is capable of inducing CNV.