The Use of Fiji Image J as an Image Analysis Tool for Measuring Retinal Vessel Diameter in Rodent Model of Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of Fiji Image J application for digital fundus image analysis of retinal vessel diameter in diabetic retinopathy rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-250 grams, were divided into two groups: normal and diabetic. The diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg body weight). Normal rats received IP citrate buffer. Fundus images were captured at week 0, 6 and 12 post-induction to observe changes in retinal veins and arteries. Images obtained were then analyzed using Fiji Image J software. Retinal venous diameter was increased in both groups at week 6 and 12 compared to baseline (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were seen in the retinal venous diameter at week 12 compared to week 6 in both groups. When comparing between the groups, retinal venous diameter in diabetic group was significantly greater compared to normal group at week 6 and 12 by 1.37- and 1.35-folds (p<0.001), respectively. For the retinal arterial diameter in diabetic group, an increase was observed at week 6 and 12 compared to baseline by 1.17- and 1.2-folds (p<0.05) respectively, however, similar changes were not observed in normal group. There was also no significant difference between the retinal arterial diameter of normal and diabetic group at week 6 and 12. In conclusion, retinal vessels diameter analysis of fundus images using Fiji Image J can be utilized to determine quantitative changes between normal and rats with STZ-induced diabetic retinopathy.