Evaluation of Retina in Perfusion Tissue Culture as an in vitro Model for Toxic Retinopathies

Abstract

Abstract: : Evaluation of retina–pigment epithelium–choroid–preparations in perfusion tissue culture as an in vitro model for toxic retinopathies Purpose:Toxic retinopathies can only be evaluated by in vivo testing so far, since cultures of single cells or embryonic tissue are of limited significance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of porcine retina–pigment epithelium–choroid–(RPEC)–preparations in perfusion tissue culture as an in vitro model for toxic retinopathies. Chloroquine and thioridazine were used as test substances, because they can cause serious but different retinopathy in man. Methods: Retina–RPE–choroid–tissue was prepared from fresh porcine eyes and transferred into a two–compartment perfusion container. They were perfused with medium, with or without test substance, for 5 or 10 days. Morphology of tissues was evaluated by light and electron microscopy, and morphological alterations were compared to those known to occur in vivo. Results:Structural preservation of retinal tissue was reduced in experiments containing either test–substance in comparison to controls. Chloroquine induced formation of typical "myeloid bodies" in ganglion cells and the inner plexiform layer. Preservation of the retinal architecture was better in specimens superfused with thioridazine than with chloroquine. Distinct thioridazine–induced morphological alterations were not found. Conclusions:Under the conditions and concentrations used in this first set of experiments, typical retinal alterations could be demonstrated using chloroquine, whereas no distinct alterations were found for thioridazine. These results are compatible with results from in vivo experiments in various animal species and therefore suggest that retina–RPE–choroid–preparations in perfusion culture are a useful model to predict toxic retinal alterations in man and might be able to partially replace in vivo experiments.

Keywords: retinal culture • pharmacology • retina