Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Microinjection of Recombinant RCAS(A) Retrovirus into Embryonic Chicken Lens
Published on: September 1, 2023
Differential effects of black currant anthocyanins on diffuser- or negative lens-induced ocular elongation in chicks
Hiroyuki Iida1, Yuko Nakamura, Hitoshi Matsumoto
1Food Science Research Laboratories, Meiji Co., Ltd., Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan. hiroyuki.iida.ba@meiji.com
Purpose:
To compare the inhibitory effects of 4 different types of black currant anthocyanins (BCAs) on ocular elongation in 2 different chick myopia models.
Methods:
In the first model, diffusers were used to induce form vision deprivation. In the second model, negative (-8D) spherical lenses were used to create a defocused retinal image. Either the diffusers or the -8D lenses were placed on the right eyes of 8-day-old chicks for 4 days. Ocular biometric components were measured using an A-scan ultrasound instrument on the third day after application of either the diffusers or -8D lenses. Interocular differences (globe component dimensions of the right diffuser or eyes covered with -8D lenses minus those of the open left eyes) were considered to evaluate the effect of BCAs. The BCAs used were cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R), delphinidin-3-rutinoside (D3R), and delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G). Each anthocyanin was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.027 μmol/kg once a day for 3 days.
Results:
Compared to the vehicle treatment, C3G and C3R treatments significantly reduced both differential increases (positive values of interocular differences) of the ocular axial length induced by diffusers or -8D lenses (diffusers; C3G, C3R, and control: 0.32±0.051 mm, P<0.05; 0.25±0.034 mm, P<0.01; and 0.52±0.047 mm, -8D lenses; C3G, C3R, and control: 0.25±0.049 mm, P<0.01; 0.17±0.049 mm, P<0.001; and 0.50±0.056 mm). In contrast, compared to vehicle treatment, D3R treatment significantly decreased the differential increases in the ocular axial length only in chicks with myopia induced by -8D lenses (D3R and control: 0.17±0.049 mm and 0.50±0.056 mm, P<0.001). D3G did not inhibit the differential increase in the ocular axial length induced by either diffusers or -8D lenses.
Conclusions:
This study showed that the 4 tested BCAs had different effects on the 2 different experimental models of myopia.
Insights
Black currant anthocyanins (BCAs) show varied effects on myopia development in chicks. Cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside effectively reduced ocular elongation in both models, while delphinidin-3-rutinoside showed efficacy only in one model.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Myopia, a growing global health concern, is characterized by excessive ocular elongation.
- Anthocyanins, potent antioxidants found in black currants, are being investigated for their potential therapeutic effects.
- Understanding the specific effects of different black currant anthocyanins (BCAs) on myopia models is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of four distinct black currant anthocyanins (BCAs) in inhibiting ocular elongation.
- To evaluate these BCAs in two distinct chick models of myopia: form-deprivation and lens-induced myopia.
Main Methods:
- Two chick myopia models were established using diffusers (form deprivation) and -8D lenses (defocused image).
- Ocular biometric components were measured via A-scan ultrasound to assess interocular differences.
- Four BCAs—cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R), delphinidin-3-rutinoside (D3R), and delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G)—were administered intravenously daily for three days.
Main Results:
- Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R) significantly reduced ocular axial length increases in both myopia models compared to controls.
- Delphinidin-3-rutinoside (D3R) significantly inhibited ocular axial length increases only in the lens-induced myopia model.
- Delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G) did not demonstrate significant inhibitory effects on ocular elongation in either model.
Conclusions:
- The four tested black currant anthocyanins exhibit differential inhibitory effects on ocular elongation.
- Specific BCAs, like C3G and C3R, show promise in mitigating myopia progression in experimental models.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and optimize the use of BCAs for myopia management.

