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Updated: Apr 24, 2026
A Mouse Model for Laser-induced Choroidal Neovascularization
Published on: December 27, 2015
Reliability of the mouse model of choroidal neovascularization induced by laser photocoagulation
Stephen H Poor1, Yubin Qiu1, Elizabeth S Fassbender1
1Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
Purpose:
We attempted to reproduce published studies that evaluated whether the following factors influence choroidal neovascularization (CNV) induced by laser photocoagulation in murine retinas: small interfering RNA (siRNA), cobra venom factor, complement factors C3 and C5, and complement receptor C5aR. In addition, we explored whether laser-induced CNV in mice was influenced by the vendor of origin of the animals.
Methods:
Reagents or genotypes reported by others to influence CNV in this model were assessed using our standard procedures. Retrospective analyses of control or placebo mice in many experiments were done to evaluate whether the CNV area induced by laser photocoagulation varied according to vendor.
Results:
Administration of the following agents did not have a substantial impact on the CNV induced by laser burns in mice: siRNA, low-molecular-weight inhibitor of the C5a receptor (PMX53), or cobra venom factor. Jackson Laboratory (JAX) mice lacking either C3 or C5 had increased neovascularization compared to non-littermate JAX wild-type controls. Taconic mice lacking C3 had reduced CNV compared to non-littermate Taconic wild-type control mice. A retrospective analysis of vehicle-treated wild-type C57BL/6 mice used as controls across 132 experiments conducted from 2007 to 2010 revealed that mice purchased from JAX or from Charles River produced less neovascularization than mice from Taconic.
Conclusions:
We present our recommended methods for conducting experiments with the mouse laser-induced CNV model to enhance reproducibility and minimize investigator bias.
Insights
Reproducing studies on laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice showed that complement factors C3 and C5, and animal vendor significantly impact CNV, while siRNA and cobra venom factor do not. We offer methods to improve reproducibility.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a key pathological feature in several blinding eye diseases.
- The mouse laser-induced CNV model is widely used to study CNV pathogenesis and test potential therapies.
- Reproducibility of results in this model can be affected by various experimental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reproduce published findings on factors influencing laser-induced CNV in mice, including small interfering RNA (siRNA), cobra venom factor, complement factors C3 and C5, and complement receptor C5aR.
- To investigate the impact of the animal vendor on laser-induced CNV.
- To provide recommendations for enhancing the reproducibility of the mouse laser-induced CNV model.
Main Methods:
- Standardized procedures were used to assess reagents and genotypes previously reported to influence CNV.
- Retrospective analysis of control or placebo mice from multiple experiments was conducted to evaluate vendor effects on CNV area.
- Specific agents like siRNA, PMX53 (C5a receptor inhibitor), and cobra venom factor were administered to mice undergoing laser photocoagulation.
Main Results:
- siRNA, PMX53, and cobra venom factor did not substantially impact laser-induced CNV in mice.
- Mice lacking complement factors C3 or C5 showed altered CNV compared to wild-type controls, with variations depending on the vendor (Jackson Laboratory vs. Taconic).
- Retrospective analysis revealed that mice from Jackson Laboratory and Charles River exhibited less neovascularization than those from Taconic.
Conclusions:
- Complement factors C3 and C5, as well as the animal vendor, significantly influence laser-induced CNV in mice.
- Experimental factors such as siRNA and cobra venom factor did not demonstrate a substantial impact on CNV in this study.
- Standardized methods and careful consideration of animal source are recommended to improve reproducibility and minimize bias in the mouse laser-induced CNV model.
