[A new model of choroidal neovascularization in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of inducing choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice by diode laser. METHODS: Two hours, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after photocoagulation, the effect of diode laser for inducing CNV by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Two hours and 3 days after laser treatment, there were no CNV and fluorescent leakage observed in mice. The first signs of leakage in FFA associated with CNV appeared 1 week after the postphotocoagulation, (48/90 lesions, or 53.3%). Four weeks after laser treatment, there were still 33 lesions appearing leakage (36.67%). Histological sections proved the existence of CNV, but the rate of CNV was not in accord with that of fluorescence leakage. CONCLUSIONS: This animal model is very useful for in vivo studies of angiogenesis and its modulation via various therapy.