Rabbit model of retinal artery occlusion established by photochemistry therapy / 复旦学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Objective To establish an experimental retinal artery occlusion (RAO) model by means of photochemistry therapy with 532 nm frequency-doubled laser, and to evaluate the feasibility of this method. Methods Ten eyes from ten healthy adult New Zealand rabbits were intravenously injected 5% rose bengal solution, then their monocular retinal artery was irradiated by 532 nm frequency-doubled laser. Both eyes of these rabbits were examined by direct ophthalmoscope and fundus photographic camera on the 1st hour, 24th hour and 3rd day. Meanwhile, the experimental eyes were examined by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). These rabbits were killed on the 3rd day, experimental eyes were enucleated, the retina was observed under light microscope. Results There were 9 eyes approved having RAO by direct ophthalmoscope and FFA. Thrombi in retinal arterials could be found by light microscope in all these 9 experimental eyes, and the walls of blood vessel were intact without any obvious necrosis or attenuation. Conclusions RAO animal model can be induced by photochemistry therapy with 532 nm frequency-doubled laser. There are thrombi in the retinal artery without trauma of the artery wall. Photochemistry therapy is an efficient, secure and reproducible method to induce animal model of RAO.