In vivo, reproducible and non-invasive analysis of inflammatory disease in EUR-HA mice model using Sectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Purpose: : To assess the correlation between spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and histology in a mouse model of eye inflammation. And, to track the apparition of inflammatory cells in-vivo and their fate with or with out treatment.

Methods: : We achieved to adapt a commercial SD-OCT to obtain sections of the mice retina. SD-OCT and histology were compared in EUR-HA previously described. Briefly, we obtain a stable retinal expression of HA after AAV2.5-HA subretinal injection. One month thereafter, we adoptively transferred activated in vitro HA-specific T cells. Intraocular inflammation was clinically and histologically observed in all animals and can be controlled after intravitreal injection of polyclonal regulatory T cells.

Results: : At each step of HA-EUR, SD-OCT scans revealed different morphological changes corresponding to histological modifications. SD-OCT allowed visualization of the initial retinal detachment due to the AAV-HA subretinal injection. One month thereafter, restitution of the retina can be observed before the adoptive transfer. Between day 4th to 14th, the subsequent stages of the disease were observed: vitreous infiltrating cells, vasculitis, fluid accumulation, serous retinal detachment, increase in retinal thickness and retinal infiltrating cells. Delivery of Tregs in the vitreous can be track and reduce the SD-OCT inflammatory signs but in some cases decrease in retinal thickness demonstrating retina fragility.

Conclusions: : SD-OCT allowed us to track cells in vivo, in a specific mouse model of uveitis and the results correlate well to the histology. Animals were followed over time, reducing the number of animals used. This technology should permit to test therapeutic strategies on preclinical trials.

Keywords: uveitis-clinical/animal model • imaging/image analysis: non-clinical • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)