Fluorescein Labeled Leukocytes for in vivo Imaging of Retinal Vascular Inflammation and Infiltrating Leukocytes in Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Model

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To study the effect of anti-VEGF treatment on retinal inflammation in a laser-induced CNV rodent model.

Methods: Leukocytes labeled with 1% sodium fluorescein were injected into the laser-induced CNV (wild type C57BL/6) mice at days 4 (baseline), 7, 14, and 19. At baseline intravitreally 3 mice received 1× PBS, and 3 mice received anti-VEGF. FFA, OCT, and SLO were performed at each time point to assess the CNV pathophysiology and inflammatory response.

Results: Fluorescein leakage, SRF, and leukocyte infiltration were observed at baseline in both the groups before injection. From days 7 to 19, leukocyte infiltration and SRF were noted in the 1× PBS group, but limited or no SRF and leukocyte infiltration was observed in the anti-VEGF group.

Conclusions: Leukocyte infiltration was established as an in vivo imaging inflammatory marker and along with FFA and OCT showed response to anti-VEGF therapy in laser-induced CNV model.

Keywords:

• Choroidal neovascularization (CNV)
• Fluorescein labeled leukocytes
• Inflammation
• Laser-induced choroidal neovascularization model
• Leukocyte infiltration
• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by New Investigator Grant from National Medical Research Council, Singapore [CNIG14NOV005].