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Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model
Published on: May 6, 2022
Rodent Models of Diabetic Retinopathy as a Useful Research Tool to Study Neurovascular Cross-Talk
Karolina Polewik1, Maciej Kosek1, Daniel Jamrozik1
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
Abstract:
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases leading to dysfunction of various organs, including ocular complications such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). Nowadays, DR treatments involve invasive options and are applied at the sight-threatening stages of DR. It is important to investigate noninvasive or pharmacological methods enabling the disease to be controlled at the early stage or to prevent ocular complications. Animal models are useful in DR laboratory practice, and this review is dedicated to them. The first part describes the characteristics of the most commonly used genetic rodent models in DR research. The second part focuses on the main chemically induced models. The authors pay particular attention to the streptozotocin model. Moreover, this section is enriched with practical aspects and contains the current protocols used in research in the last three years. Both parts include suggestions on which aspect of DR can be tested using a given model and the disadvantages of each model. Although animal models show huge variability, they are still an important and irreplaceable research tool. Note that the choice of a research model should be thoroughly considered and dependent on the aspect of the disease to be analyzed.
Insights
This review explores animal models for diabetic retinopathy (DR) research, detailing genetic and chemically induced methods like streptozotocin. Understanding these models aids in developing early-stage, noninvasive DR treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus can cause diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness.
- Current DR treatments are invasive and applied late, necessitating early-stage interventions.
- Animal models are crucial for studying DR pathogenesis and evaluating new therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and characterize commonly used genetic and chemically induced animal models for diabetic retinopathy (DR) research.
- To provide practical aspects and current protocols for these models, focusing on the streptozotocin model.
- To guide researchers in selecting appropriate models based on specific DR aspects and their limitations.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic rodent models relevant to diabetic retinopathy.
- Analysis of chemically induced models, with emphasis on streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
- Inclusion of practical research protocols and limitations for each model.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of genetic models (e.g., BBZDR/Wor) and their utility in studying DR.
- Comprehensive overview of chemically induced models, including streptozotocin protocols and recent research applications.
- Evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of various animal models for DR research.
Conclusions:
- Animal models are indispensable tools for advancing diabetic retinopathy research.
- Model selection must be carefully considered based on the specific research question.
- Further research using appropriate animal models can lead to improved early-stage DR management.
