Related Experiment Videos
Basic fibroblast growth factor experimentally induced choroidal angiogenesis in the minipig
G Soubrane1, S Y Cohen, T Delayre
1Unite de Recherches INSERM U.118, Paris, France.
Current Eye Research
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes choroidal angiogenesis in pigs without causing inflammation. This study demonstrates bFGF
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Angiogenesis Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a known mitogen with angiogenic properties.
- bFGF and its receptors are present in the retina.
- Choroidal neovascularization is a significant cause of vision loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo angiogenic activity of bFGF in the suprachoroidal space.
- To develop an experimental model for studying choroidal neovascularization.
- To assess the inflammatory response associated with bFGF-induced neovascularization.
Main Methods:
- Development of a mini pig model for choroidal neovascularization.
- Perfusion of recombinant human bFGF via osmotic minipump.
- Immunohistochemistry and autoradiography for localization of bFGF and receptors.
- Von Willebrand factor and macrophage-specific antibody staining to assess vascularization and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Exogenous bFGF perfusion induced organized neovascularization in the suprachoroidal space without penetrating Bruch's membrane.
- Increased vascular cell number and surface area were observed in bFGF-perfused eyes.
- Phosphate-buffered saline (control) perfusion led to an inflammatory response, which was absent in bFGF-perfused eyes.
Conclusions:
- Choroidal angiogenesis can be induced by suprachoroidal bFGF perfusion.
- This method achieves neovascularization without eliciting an inflammatory response.
- bFGF is a potential therapeutic agent for conditions involving choroidal neovascularization.