Phthalocyanine photodynamic therapy of experimental iris neovascularization

Photodynamic therapy using chloroaluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine (CASPc) effectively closed experimental iris neovascularization induced in 6 eyes of cynomolgus monkeys by argon laser retinal vein occlusion. Neovascularization was followed by iris photography, fluorescein angiography, and histopathologic examination by light and electron microscopy. Intravenous injection of CASPc followed by irradiation with 675 nm light damaged endothelial cells and pericytes, leading to exposure of the basal lamina and thrombotic occlusion of the blood vessels. Surrounding tissue appeared preserved without evidence of thermal damage. Resorption of occluded vessels by macrophages began 2 to 3 days after photodynamic therapy. Neovascularization reappeared 7 days after photodynamic therapy, probably representing growth of new vessels. Photodynamic therapy with CASPc may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of iris neovascularization. The model is useful in elucidating the ultrastructural changes observed after photodynamic therapy using phthalocyanines.