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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Laser-Induced Chronic Ocular Hypertension Model on SD Rats
Published on: December 4, 2007
Development of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in rats after retinal damage by sodium iodate injection
Alfredo García-Layana1, Gustavo Vásquez, Angel Salinas-Alamán
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Clinic, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. aglayana@unav.es
Purpose:
To determine the role of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the development of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by selective damage with sodium iodate (SI).
Methods:
In group 1, diode laser photocoagulation was applied to the right eye of Long-Evans rats (n = 11). In group 2 (n = 11), SI was administered intravenously at a dose of 40 mg/kg of body weight 2 days after photocoagulation. In group 3 (n = 10), SI was injected 2 days before laser was applied. In group 4 (n = 10), SI was injected immediately after photocoagulation.
Results:
CNV ingrowth developed in 42 of 93 burns (45%) of the laser group and in 46 of 75 burns (61%) when SI was administered 2 days after laser (p = 0.036). No CNV developed in the other groups.
Conclusions:
The angiogenic effect of the RPE is essential during the first hours after the onset of the laser-induced CNV process. When the RPE was damaged before or at the time of photocoagulation, CNV was not induced. These results suggest that RPE integrity is a decisive element in CNV formation.
