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

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 1x 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 1x 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.