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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Puncture-Induced Iris Neovascularization as a Mouse Model of Rubeosis Iridis
Published on: March 8, 2018
Rabbit rubeosis iridis induced by intravitreal latex-derived angiogenic fraction
J S Paula1, V R C Ribeiro, R B Sampaio
1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. jspaula@fmrp.usp.br
Purpose:
To describe the presence of iris neovascularization in a rabbit-model of retinal neovascularization induced by the intravitreal injection of latex-derived angiogenic fraction microspheres (LAF).
Materials And Methods:
Eight New Zealand rabbits received one intravitreal injection of PLGA (L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres with 50 ug of LAF in the right eye (Group A). Microspheres without the LAF (0.1 ml) were injected in controls (Group B; n = 8). Follow-up with clinical evaluation and iris fluorescein angiography was performed after 4 weeks when eyes were processed for light microscopy.
Results:
All eyes from Group A showed significant vascular dilation, conjunctival hyperemia and neovascularization on the iris surface, after LAF injection. No vascular changes were observed in Group B.
Conclusions:
The intravitreal injection of microspheres containing the LAF can induce rubeosis iridis in rabbits and could be used as a simple experimental model for iris neovascularization.
