Fundus Photography, Fundus Fluorescein Angiography, and Optical Coherence Tomography of Healthy Cynomolgus Monkey, New Zealand Rabbit, Sprague Dawley Rat, and BALB/c Mouse Retina

Abstract

Background A variety of experimental animal models are used in basic ophthalmological research to elucidate physiological mechanisms of vision and disease pathogenesis. The choice of animal model is based on the measurability of specific parameters or structures, the applicability of clinical measurement technologies, and the similarity to human eye function. Studies of eye pathology usually compare optical parameters between a healthy and altered state, so accurate baseline assessments are critical, but few reports have comprehensively examined the normal anatomical structures and physiological functions in these models. Methods Three cynomolgus monkeys, six New Zealand rabbits, ten Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, and BALB/c mice were examined by fundus photography (FP), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results Most retinal structures of cynomolgus monkey were anatomically similar to the corresponding human structures as revealed by FP, FFA, and OCT. New Zealand rabbits have large eyeballs, but they have large optic disc and myelinated retinal nerve fibers in their retina, and the growth pattern of retinal vessels were also different to the human retina. Unlike monkeys and rabbits, the retinal vessels of SD rats and BLAB/c mice were widely distributed and clear. And the OCT preformance of them were similar with human beings. Conclusion Monkey is a good model to study changes in retinal structure associated with fundus disease, rabbits are not suitable for studies on retinal vessel diseases and optic nerve diseases, and rats and mice are good models for retinal vascular diseases. These measures will help guide the choice of model and measurement technology and reduce the number of experimental animals required.