Abstract
Effective and validated animal models are valuable to investigate the pathogenesis and potential therapeutics for human diseases. There is much concern for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in that it affects substantial number of working population all around the world, resulting in visual deterioration and social deprivation. In this review, we discuss animal models of DR based on different species of animals from zebrafish to monkeys and prerequisites for animal models. Despite criticisms on imprudent use of laboratory animals, we hope that animal models of DR will be appropriately utilized to deepen our understanding on the pathogenesis of DR and to support our struggle to find novel therapeutics against catastrophic visual loss from DR.
Highlights
Systemic control of blood glucose can slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but fails to stop or reverse clinical signs of DR [1,2]
We provide a summary of pathologic features of DR and therapeutic goals in the treatment of DR for further discussion on the selection of appropriate animal models of DR
Full coverage of detailed characteristics of each model is beyond the purpose and scope of this review; we focus the introduction of related articles and the concept of proper selection of animal models according to the purpose of studies
Summary
Systemic control of blood glucose can slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but fails to stop or reverse clinical signs of DR [1,2]. Further disease progression leads to disruption of tight junction proteins in endothelial cells, resulting in breakdown of inner BRB [29] In this regard, detailed investigation of specific roles of different kinds of cells and mediators in animal models will definitely help the development of more pathogenesis-based therapeutic options for ME. To treat retinal neovascularization and prevent complications from it such as VH and TRD, both pathologic angiogenesis and interaction between endothelial cells and vitreous proteins can be targeted In this regard, anti-VEGF agents are utilized to minimize the events of post-vitrectomy VH in PDR patients [30]. The same treatment demonstrates deleterious effects on cone photoreceptor cells, evidenced by definite degeneration of the photoreceptor cell layer (PL) and alterations in cone-mediated electroretinogram [39] In this regard, this model helps researchers to dig out the cellular response to hyperglycemia and further pathologic changes in the diabetic retina. Rodent models of DR are largely divided into 3 subgroups: 1)
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