Flt3 Regulation in the Mononuclear Phagocyte System Promotes Ocular Neovascularization

Figure 3

CNV at Bruch’s membrane rupture sites is decreased in Flt3-deficient animals. Flt3−/− and wild-type C57BL/6 mice were submitted to laser-induced CNV. Wild-type animals were randomly grouped, with intravitreal administration of AC220 in one eye and PBS in the contralateral eye at days one and seven after laser photocoagulation in CNV mice. Choroidal flat mounts for CNV animals were obtained at day 14 (A, B, and D–G, ). Areas of CNV were reduced at rupture sites in the Flt3−/− (B) and AC220 treatment (F) groups compared with those of C57BL/6 (A) or PBS treatment group (D). In agreement, image analysis revealed that CNV areas were markedly reduced (ANOVA with SNK) in Flt3−/− animals compared with wild-type mice. AC220-treated eyes exhibited significant inhibitory effects on CNV in comparison to PBS-treated eyes () (C). Dose-effect experiments revealed that 1 μg/μl AC220 reduced CNV significantly at the lowest concentration (C–G).