Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: A new angiogenesis inhibitor, FR118487, was prepared by chemical modification of FR111142 isolated from the fermentation products of scolecobasidium arenarium F2015. The purpose of the present study is to show the effect of FR118487 on experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with the use of corrosion casts and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods: Focal laser photocoagulation (argon green 50mW, 0.04sec, 200 µm) was applied to Brown Norway pigmented rats. Rats were randomly divided into two groups. One group received FR118487 (1.0 mg / kg / day) with a systemic administration device starting 2 weeks before laser application, and the other group received no treatment. Choroidal vascular casts were prepared 2 weeks after argon laser photocoagulation. The choroidal casts were examined with SEM. Results: In the control group, newly formed CNV originating from an individual laser burn spot was observed. Small vascular buds originating from the damaged choriocapillaris were also observed. In the FR118487- treated group, these changes were markedly decreased. Incomplete repair of the choriocapillaris was seen at the laser applied sites. Conclusion: Our results show that FR118487 prevented experimental CNV. The effects of FR118487 on CNV are described for the first time, and we believe these findings will help in the therapy of age-related macular degeneration. SEM of corrosion casts is a valuable and important technique for showing precisely and three-dimensionally the effects of a drug on the vasculature.
Keywords: 472 microscopy: electron microscopy • 554 retina • 611 uvea