Abstract

Objective To establish an animal model of sub-retinal pigment epithelium (sub-RPE)deposits,and to explore the pathological process of the transloeation of retinal pigment epithelium, choroidal neovascularization and the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Matrigel was injected to the subretinal space of rats to create an amorphous deposit. Translocation of retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal neovascularization were observed. Results The subretinal deposit of Matrigel induced RPE translocation and therefore it became a sub-RPE deposit. The RPE mobilization required the presence of photoreceptors. Bruch's membrane devoid of RPE attachment became vulnerable to the invasion of new blood vessels from the choroid. Conclusions A novel model of sub-RPE deposit formation is established successfully. The presence of sub-RPE deposit is sufficient to induce choroidal neovascularization to penetrate Bruch's membrane and may cause the exudative form of AMD. Key words: Retinal pigment epithelium; Extracellular matrix; Deposition; Choroidal neovascularization; Rats

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