Abstract
Purpose :
At last year's meeting, we presented the results of our study about laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (Li-CNV) model mouse using a transgenic mouse that expresses excess basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) only in the retinal photoreceptor cells (FGF2-tg). We present further analysis based on these results.
Methods :
Firstly, we made Li-CNV model mouse which is 6-week-old FGF2-tg (C57bl/6J) and wild type (FGF2 negative mice of litter: WT) and observed over time utilizing optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Secondly, low-power PCs which do not destroy Bruch's membrane, to supply FGF2 endogenously at 7 days after initial PC. Thirdly, we performed quantitative analysis of the expression levels of FGF2, VEGF, αSMA, TGFβ1, and collagen1 by real-time PCR.
Results :
The areas of Li-CNV in FGF2-tg after initial PC was significantly larger than those of WT (p=0.0319). The areas of Li-CNV in the additional PC group were significantly larger than those of no additional PC group in both FGF2-tg (p=0.0163) and WT (p=0.0051). Interestingly, the additional PC group in FGF2-tg showed significant involution delay of CNVs compared to those of no additional PC group (p=0.0127). Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of αSMA, TGFβ1, and collagen1 (p<0.05) decreased significantly in the additional PC group of FGF2-tg compared to other groups.
Conclusions :
This study suggests that endogenous supply of FGF2 to CNVs occurred at day 7 after initial PC can suppress the expression of αSMA, TGFβ1, and collagen 1, which are involved in the fibrosis of the wound healing process, contribute to delayed regression of existing CNV.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.