Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2025
07:23
Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability
Published on: August 6, 2021
2.6K
Complement C3/C3aR Signaling Pathway Inhibition Ameliorates Retinal Damage in Experimental Retinal Vein Occlusion
Yanying Zhao1,2, Zhengwei Ge2,3, Tingting Guo2,3
1Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|May 1, 2025
Summary
Blocking the complement C3/C3aR pathway with SB290157 significantly reduced retinal damage and improved visual function in a mouse model of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). This highlights the complement C3/C3aR pathway as a promising therapeutic target for RVO.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a prevalent vascular disease that impairs vision.
- The role of the complement system, particularly the C3/C3aR signaling pathway, in RVO pathogenesis remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of the complement C3/C3aR signaling pathway in a laser-induced RVO mouse model.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting the C3aR signaling pathway for RVO treatment.
Main Methods:
- A laser-induced RVO model was established in C57BL/6J mice.
- Bulk RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were used to analyze complement pathway activation.
- The C3aR antagonist SB290157 was administered intravitreally to assess its effects on retinal structure and function via OCT, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, OKR, and ERG.
Main Results:
- RVO mice showed increased retinal thickness and vascular leakage.
- Elevated expression of C3 and C3aR was confirmed in RVO retinas.
- SB290157 treatment significantly reduced retinal edema, vascular leakage, and structural damage, while improving visual functions like contrast sensitivity and ERG amplitudes.
- RNA-seq analysis revealed that SB290157 modulated inflammatory and visual perception pathways.
Conclusions:
- The complement C3/C3aR signaling pathway plays a critical role in RVO-induced retinal damage.
- Targeting the C3aR pathway with antagonists like SB290157 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating RVO.
