Background Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition of abnormal retinal vascular development (RVD) in premature infants. Fluorescein angiography (FA) has depicted phases (early, mid, late, and mature) of RVD in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice. We sought to establish the relationship between retinal structural and vascular changes using simultaneous FA and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Method 63 mice were exposed to 77% oxygen at postnatal day 7 (P7) for 5 days, while 63 mice remained in room air (RA). Total retinal thickness (TRT), inner retinal thickness (IRT), and outer retinal thickness (ORT) were calculated at early (P19), mid (P24), late (P32), and mature (P47) phases of RVD. Results TRT was reduced in OIR (162.66 ± 17.75 μm, n = 13) compared to RA mice at P19 (197.57 ± 3.49 μm, n = 14), P24, P32, and P49 (P < 0.0001). ORT was similar in RA and OIR mice at all ages (P > 0.05). IRT was reduced in OIR (71.60 ± 17.14 μm) compared to RA (103.07 ± 3.47 μm) mice at P19 and all ages (P < 0.0001). Conclusion We have shown the spatial and temporal relationship between retinal structure and vascular development in OIR. Significant inner retinal thinning in OIR mice persisted despite revascularization of the capillary network; further studies will elucidate its functional implications in ROP.
Focal variations in retinal vascularization of OIR mice correlate with thickness and function. Adult OIR mice had increased retinal artery tortuosity, prolonged b-wave peak time, and decreased retinal vein width with inner retina attrition. These suggest abnormalities in inner retinal morphology or post-receptor signaling. Studying interactions between retinal vascular, structural, and functional changes could enhance knowledge of OIR pathogenesis and potential therapies.
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