OBJECTIVETo establish a retinal vein occlusion (RVO) animal model and observe the therapeutic effect of a Chinese herbal composition (Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule, , FXC)inischemicinischemic) in ischemic retinal disease.

METHODSFifteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent laser photothrombosis to induce RVO on their right eyes and were subsequently randomized to receive FXC (the intervention group, n=7) or placebo treatment (the control group, n=8). Fundus fluorescein angiography was performed after 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR was used to quantify the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1). The main outcomes were the mRNA copies of VEGF and SDF-1 and the counts of RVO signs.

RESULTSLaser photothrombosis procedure induced typical lesions of RVO, including hemorrhage, leakage, retinal detachment, capillary non-perfusion, filling defect of retinal vessels, and lateral circulation/dilation of small vessels. The retinal lesions were associated with an increased expression of VEGF (P<0.05). No significant change of SDF-1 expression was noticed. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had numerically fewer RVO lesions at week 2 (1.71±0.76 vs. 3.50±1.51, t=-2.82, P<0.05). The benefit of intervention remained at weeks 4 and 8.

CONCLUSIONSA rat model of laser photothrombosis-induced RVO was established and an increase in the VEGF expression was observed in the retinal lesion. The FXC had therapeutic benefit in improving retinal lesions in the rat model of RVO.