Abstract
Purpose: :
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the most common causes of severe vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Recent studies have identified inflammation as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of AMD. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzes the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and regulates inflammation. The goal of the current study is to explore the roles of COX-2 in laser-induced CNV using COX-2 null mice.
Methods: :
CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation of the ocular fundus in eight wild type and eight COX-2 null mice. The size of the CNV was evaluated by fluorescein angiography 10 days after laser induction. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were measured in vitreous, plasma, and retinal homogenates using a multiplex cytokine approach.
Results: :
At 10 days after laser induction, choroidal neovascular lesions were significantly smaller in the COX-2 null mice compared to wild type. Levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-9, and IL-13 were lower in the vitreous of COX-2 null mice.
Conclusions: :
COX-2 appears to be involved in laser-induced CNV. Pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 and its downstream prostaglandins and offending prostanoid may have potential role in the treatment of CNV.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • choroid: neovascularization • enzymes/enzyme inhibitors