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Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents
Published on: September 16, 2020
Revisiting the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy
Clifford B Kim1, Patricia A D'Amore2, Kip M Connor1
1Angiogenesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School.
Insights
The mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) is crucial for studying retinal diseases like ROP. This review details its history, applications, and advancements in understanding retinal angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Abnormal retinal blood vessel growth characterizes diseases like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and wet age-related macular degeneration.
- The mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) is a key research tool for understanding ROP and retinal vascular development.
- OIR research has significantly advanced knowledge in ocular immunology and led to therapeutics like anti-VEGF injections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development of the mouse OIR model.
- To explain essential concepts of OIR and its limitations.
- To highlight key findings and current research progress in OIR.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of the mouse OIR model's evolution.
- Discussion of OIR concepts and limitations.
- Synthesis of representative findings from OIR studies.
Main Results:
- The mouse OIR model has been refined over decades, becoming widely used in scientific research.
- Technological advancements have broadened the application of the OIR model.
- OIR research has provided critical insights into retinal angiogenesis and ocular immunology.
Conclusions:
- The mouse OIR model is indispensable for studying retinal vascular diseases and developing treatments.
- Ongoing research and model refinements continue to expand our understanding of OIR.
- The model has been pivotal in developing therapies for conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration.
Abstract:
Abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina is a hallmark of many retinal diseases, such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. In particular, ROP has been an important health concern for physicians since the advent of routine supplemental oxygen therapy for premature neonates more than 70 years ago. Since then, researchers have explored several animal models to better understand ROP and retinal vascular development. Of these models, the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) has become the most widely used, and has played a pivotal role in our understanding of retinal angiogenesis and ocular immunology, as well as in the development of groundbreaking therapeutics such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for wet age-related macular degeneration. Numerous refinements to the model have been made since its inception in the 1950s, and technological advancements have expanded the use of the model across multiple scientific fields. In this review, we explore the historical developments that have led to the mouse OIR model utilized today, essential concepts of OIR, limitations of the model, and a representative selection of key findings from OIR, with particular emphasis on current research progress.
