Abstract

This review discusses a novel and inexpensive model for studying wet and dry AMD using polyethylene glycol (PEG). In this model, various doses of PEG are injected into the subretinal space of mice. The morphology of the subretinal space and the biochemical and immunological parameters have been evaluated over a period of time. In vitro, human adult retinal pigment epithelial-19 (ARPE-19) cells were treated with various doses of PEG, and cell death, CD59, C3, and CD46 were measured. PEG injections into the eyes of wild type mice induce RPE cell atrophy and proliferation, resulting in consequent loss of photoreceptors. Changes in morphology and gene expression, involved in complement autophagy and/or phagocytosis, also provide evidence that the PEG-induced pathological changes observed in mouse eyes are similar to the changes seen in human dry AMD. The formation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in PEG-treated mice indicates that the PEG can be used to induce CNV. This review article focuses exclusively on PEG-induced AMD models. The applications of the PEG model are to study the changes that occur during AMD development in response to complement activation in vivo and in vitro. This model also makes it possible to test potential drug candidates for AMD treatment and prevention.

Keywords: Age-Related Macular Degeneration; Pathology; Drugs; Choroidal Neovascularization; Polyethylene Glycol