Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
A Mouse Model for Laser-induced Choroidal Neovascularization
Published on: December 27, 2015
[Inhibitory effect of RGDS peptide on experimental choroidal neovascularization in a rat model]
Hua He1, Hong Zhang, Zhi-tao Wang
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China. hhlotus@tom.com
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy and feasibility of RGDS (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) peptide (an alpha(nu)-integrin antagonist) in a rat model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
Methods:
Experimental CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation in Brown Norway rats (50 microm diameter, 0.05 second duration and 525 mw intensity). Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or 100, 300 microg of RGDS peptide in PBS were being injected intravitreally after laser surgery for 7 days. On the 14th day after photocoagulation, CNV was observed by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). The area of CNV by high molecular weight FITC-dextran (MW 2 x 10(6)) for high resolution angiography in RPE-choroid-sclera flat mounts and the thickness microscopically on histologic sections were evaluated. New vessels were detected and quantified by an-antibody against factor VIII. Two eyes from each group were examined by transmission electron microscopy.
Results:
In eyes with injections of 300 or 100 microg of RGDS peptide on the 14th day after laser photocoagulation, the development of CNV was significantly (P < 0.01) inhibited showing by RPE-choroid-sclera flat mounts. Histologically, the thickness of the CNV lesions was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in eyes that received 300 or 100 microg of RGDS peptide injection. Immunoreactivity of factor VIII in CNV showed significant difference (P < 0.01) in eyes injected with RGDS peptide compared with control eyes. The reduction of the area and the thickness of CNV by RGDS peptide were in a dose-dependent manner. No evidence of toxicity was found in retina by transmission electron microscopy in every group.
Conclusions:
RGDS peptide effectively inhibits CNV progression in a rat model of laser-induced CNV, suggesting that this alpha(nu)-integrin antagonist may be beneficial in the treatment of CNV.
Insights
RGDS peptide effectively inhibited choroidal neovascularization (CNV) progression in a rat model. This alpha(nu)-integrin antagonist demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy without observed retinal toxicity, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for CNV.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Angiogenesis Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of vision loss.
- Alpha(nu)-integrin antagonists are being explored for anti-angiogenic therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of RGDS peptide in inhibiting laser-induced CNV in rats.
- To assess the safety profile of RGDS peptide in the retinal tissue.
Main Methods:
- Experimental CNV was induced in Brown Norway rats via laser photocoagulation.
- Intravitreal injections of RGDS peptide (100 or 300 microg) or PBS were administered daily for 7 days post-surgery.
- CNV development was assessed on day 14 using fundus fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, high-resolution flat mounts, and histology.
Main Results:
- RGDS peptide significantly inhibited CNV development, reducing lesion area and thickness in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01).
- Factor VIII immunoreactivity, indicating new vessel formation, was significantly reduced in RGDS-treated eyes.
- Transmission electron microscopy revealed no evidence of retinal toxicity in any treatment group.
Conclusions:
- RGDS peptide demonstrates significant efficacy in inhibiting CNV progression in a preclinical rat model.
- The alpha(nu)-integrin antagonist RGDS peptide shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for treating CNV.
- The study supports the feasibility and safety of using RGDS peptide for CNV treatment.
