Rabbit model of ocular indirect photodynamic therapy using a retinoblastoma xenograft

Abstract

The results of this pre-clinical study suggest verteporfin may be activated in the rabbit retina with the indirect delivery system and the 690 nm laser unit (i.e., Indirect PDT). Using verteporfin, treatment effects were observed at 40-50 mW/cm in the rabbit retina, while photocoagulation was achieved at 75 mW/cm and higher power levels. Fundoscopic and histopathologic examination of treated areas showed circumscribed areas of retinal damage and a lack of generalized ocular toxicity, suggesting that this modality may represent a safe and localized method for treating intraocular retinoblastoma.

Development of a rabbit model of Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome

“…Their physiology, anatomy, and genetic background are more similar to those of humans than those of mice. [17][18][19] Hence, rabbits have been widely applied as reliable models of numerous human diseases, including atherosclerosis, 20,21 Alzheimer's disease, 22,23 arthritis, 24,25 muscle disease, 26 cancers, 27,28 reproductive processes, 29 immune disorders, 30 and infectious disease. 17 Furthermore, owing to their moderate size, low cost, easy breeding, and short gestation period, rabbits can be made extensively available in different laboratories.…”