A Step by Step Protocol for Subretinal Surgery in Rabbits

Abstract

Age related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and other RPE related diseases are the most common causes for irreversible loss of vision in adults in industrially developed countries. RPE transplantation appears to be a promising therapy, as it may replace dysfunctional RPE, restore its function, and thereby vision.Here we describe a method for transplanting a cultured RPE monolayer on a scaffold into the subretinal space (SRS) of rabbits. After vitrectomy xenotransplants were delivered into the SRS using a custom made shooter consisting of a 20-gauge metallic nozzle with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated plunger. The current technique evolved in over 150 rabbit surgeries over 6 years. Post-operative follow-up can be obtained using non-invasive and repetitive in vivo imaging such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) followed by perfusion-fixed histology.The method has well-defined steps for easy learning and high success rate. Rabbits are considered a large eye animal model useful in preclinical studies for clinical translation. In this context rabbits are a cost-efficient and perhaps convenient alternative to other large eye animal models.

Assessment of Safety and Functional Efficacy of Stem Cell-Based Therapeutic Approaches Using Retinal Degenerative Animal Models

“…The advancement of OCT technology provided rapid assessment of transplant morphology and placement location in the eye [ 9 , 52 , 197 , 198 ]. The use of OCT imaging to assess changes in the retinal thickness posttransplantation has been established [ 9 , 197 – 201 ]. The above studies conducted in rat models suggested that OCT is a reliable tool for in vivo screening and evaluation of retinal transplants.…”

Visual evoked potential in rabbits’ eyes with subretinal implantation by vitrectomy of Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis (OUReP^TM)

“…The canine study demonstrated technical feasibility of film implantation and 5-month functional durability of the implanted films. In the present study, rabbits were used for film implantation since rabbits have been more frequently used as an animal model for ophthalmic surgeries [ 4 ]. In addition, visual evoked potential can be easily recorded in rabbits with thin bony skull, in contrast with difficulty in the recording in dogs with thick bony skull.…”

Hints for Gentle Submacular Injection in Non-Human Primates Based on Intraoperative OCT Guidance

“…no. 80601; Hamilton Company, Inc., Reno, NV, USA), 29 ensuring that all air bubbles have been evacuated from tubing. In both automated and manual injections, the cannula was inserted under the retina followed by the fluid injection.…”