A rabbit model for outer retinal atrophy caused by surgical RPE removal.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We aimed to establish a rabbit model with retinal atrophy induced by an iatrogenic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) removal, for future testing of the efficacy and safety of cell therapy strategies.

Methods

A localized detachment of the retina from the RPE/choroid layer was created in 18 pigmented rabbits. The RPE was removed by scraping with a custom-made extendable loop instrument. The resulting RPE wound was observed over a time course of 12 weeks with optical coherence tomography and angiography. After 4 days (group 1) and 12 weeks (group 2), histology was done and staining with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as immunofluorescence performed to further investigate the effects of debridement on the RPE and the overlying retina.

Results

Already after 4 days,

SUBMITTER: Al-Nawaiseh S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10368565 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature