Choroidal congestion mouse model: Could it serve as a pachychoroid model?
Hidetaka Matsumoto1, Ryo Mukai1, Junki Hoshino1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
Plos One
|January 28, 2021
Summary
Researchers created a mouse model for pachychoroid diseases by inducing choroidal congestion. This model mimics key features like thickened choroid and RPE degeneration, aiding further study.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pathophysiology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Pachychoroid spectrum diseases are a group of macular disorders characterized by choroidal thickening and RPE degeneration.
- The exact pathophysiology of pachychoroid remains unclear, necessitating further research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a novel mouse model for investigating pachychoroid spectrum diseases.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to pachychoroid development.
Main Methods:
- Induction of choroidal congestion in wild type mice by suturing vortex veins.
- Utilized fundus photography, ultra-widefield indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography, and tissue histology.
- Performed immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis to assess RPE and inflammatory responses.
Main Results:
- Successful induction of dilated vortex veins, choroidal thickening, and dilated choroidal vessels.
- Significant increase in RPE-choroid/retina thickness ratios in treated eyes.
- Observed focal RPE degeneration, upregulated inflammatory genes, and macrophage infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Vortex vein congestion is a key factor triggering pachychoroid features.
- The developed mouse model effectively replicates critical aspects of pachychoroid.
- This model provides a valuable tool for future research into pachychoroid pathophysiology.
