Retinal angiogenesis in the Ins2(Akita) mouse model of diabetic retinopathy.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among working age adults and does not have any curative treatments. Although chemical- and injury-induced models of retinal neovascularization exist, the need for a genetic model that closely simulates the DR pathologic process is great.

Methods

Here we characterize the development of the retinal disease phenotype in a genetic model of type 1 diabetes, the Ins2(Akita) mouse, using structural, biochemical, molecular biological, and functional techniques.

Results

This model exhibits hyperglycemia by 2 months of age and by 6 months we detect retinal complications in Ins2(Akita) males, including early signs of vascular damage consistent with DR, specifically the appearance of pericyte ghosts, vascular lea

SUBMITTER: Han Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3558298 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature