Histopathology of experimental preretinal neovascularization

Despite the morbidity resulting from abnormal retinal neovascularization, morphological events associated with its development have not been fully described. We therefore studied sequential morphologic events during preretinal neovascularization in an experimental model induced by injection of 250,000 homologous fibroblasts into the vitreous cavity of rabbits. Within 2 days following fibroblast injection, thickening of many venular and capillary endothelial cells resulted in partial obliteration of their lumina. 3H-thymidine incorporation occurred first in the nonvascular cells of the superficial medullary ray and thereafter in the preretinal vessels and extraretinal fibroblasts. Capillary budding was obvious within 3 days, with endothelial cells extending cytoplasmic processes into fragmented extracellular matrix (ECM). Endothelial cells, at the tips of budding vessels, and at more proximal sites in the parent vessel, incorporated 3H-thymidine and did not lose cell contact or migrate individually into the ECM. Lumina were present throughout the entire length of the buds and endothelial cells remained polarized. Neovascular events observed in this experimental model parallel those previously described in diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity in humans.