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Updated: Dec 17, 2025
A Mouse Model for Laser-induced Choroidal Neovascularization
Published on: December 27, 2015
Intravitreal injection of resveratrol inhibits laser-induced murine choroidal neovascularization
Hui-Ming Zhang1,2,3, Xiao-Hua Li4, Mingjiazi Chen5
1Department of Dermatology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China.
Aim:
To determine the effects of intravitreal resveratrol (RSV) on murine laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
Methods:
The toxicity of RSV to choroidal endothelial cell (CEC) was measured using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Effects of RSV on choroidal endothelial cell (CEC) migration were evaluated with a modified Boyden chamber assay, while tube formation was evaluated in a 2-D gel assay. CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation in mice. The effects of intravitreal injection of RSV on CNV development were evaluated by fluorescein angiography (FA), confocal analysis of isolectin B4 labeled choroidal flat mounts, and histologic examination of CNV membranes. Immunostaining was used to analyze the expression and phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2).
Results:
No significant cell toxicity was observed in CEC if the concentration of RSV was less than 200 µmol/L (P>0.05). RSV inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced CEC migration (P<0.05) and tube formation (P<0.05) in vitro. Furthermore, intravitreal injection of RSV significantly inhibited laser induced CNV formation in mice. The FA leakage, CNV volume and CNV area analysis revealed that there were 41%, 45%, and 58% reduction in RSV-treated eyes (1.691±0.1032, 178 163±78 623 µm3 and 6508±619.0 µm2, respectively) compared with those in control (2.724±0.08447, 379 676±98 382 µm3 and 16 576±2646 µm2, respectively; P<0.05). Phospho-VEGFR2 expression was much weaker in the sections of CNV lesions in RSV injected mice compared with that in control (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
Intravitreal injection of RSV exerts an inhibitory effect on CNV, which may through suppressing endothelial cell migration, tube formation and VEGFR2 phosphorylation.
Insights
Intravitreal resveratrol (RSV) effectively inhibits choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice by reducing endothelial cell migration and tube formation. This study demonstrates RSV
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a leading cause of vision loss.
- Current treatments for CNV have limitations.
- Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with potential therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal resveratrol (RSV) in a mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of RSV's action on CNV development.
Main Methods:
- Assessed RSV toxicity on choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) using MTT assay.
- Evaluated RSV's impact on CEC migration and tube formation in vitro.
- Induced CNV in mice via laser photocoagulation.
- Quantified CNV inhibition using fluorescein angiography, confocal microscopy, and histology.
- Analyzed vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) phosphorylation via immunostaining.
Main Results:
- RSV showed no significant CEC toxicity at concentrations below 200 µmol/L.
- RSV significantly inhibited VEGF-induced CEC migration and tube formation in vitro.
- Intravitreal RSV administration markedly reduced laser-induced CNV formation, with significant reductions in leakage, volume, and area.
- RSV treatment led to decreased phosphorylation of VEGFR2 in CNV lesions.
Conclusions:
- Intravitreal resveratrol demonstrates a potent inhibitory effect on choroidal neovascularization.
- RSV's anti-CNV mechanism involves the suppression of endothelial cell migration, tube formation, and VEGFR2 phosphorylation.
- RSV holds promise as a therapeutic agent for treating CNV.
