Application
A large animal model of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in pigs, allows for surgical manipulation and intervention that is not possible in other animal models.
Technical Summary
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is the principle cause for failed retinal detachment (RD) surgery. Currently there is a rabbit model used for research of PVR. However, this model has several limitations which could be addressed with a larger animal model. A large animal model of PVR such as a pig, presents these following advantages: 1) Larger eye that allows for surgical intervention, 2) a holangiotic retina, 3) has scleral anatomy similar to humans, 4) has an area centralis, 5) has a choroid-Bruch?s-retinal pigment epithelial complex similar to humans.
This porcine model uses a transequatorial injection of high-dose dispase (a nonspecific protease that degrades native collagen) that initiates the development of PVR without addition of exogenous cells. Exogenous cells seem to be an early event in the PVR pathogenesis. This animal model represents a new system to study surgical and pharmacotherapeutic intervention for PVR and closely replicates the human condition.
Publications
Frenzel, E. M., K. A. Neely, et al. (1998). Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 39(11): 2157-2164.
A.S. Bansal, H.E. Grossniklaus, & T.W. Olsen. ARVO 2010, Fort Lauderdale, FL