Customized Rabbit Models of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Rabbits are particularly valuable as preclinical models due to their anatomical similarities to human eyes and their susceptibility to dietary-induced metabolic changes, allowing researchers to explore the various risk factors contributing to age-related macular degeneration (AMD)development. Ace Therapeutics provides customized rabbit models that closely mimic human AMD to support in-depth research of AMD and discovery of potential therapeutics

Rabbit Models in AMD Research

AMD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal structures, particularly affecting photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The disease can lead to severe visual impairment and is often associated with factors such as genetic predisposition, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dietary influences. Given the multifactorial nature of AMD, animal models are essential for studying its pathophysiology and testing potential drug candidates.

Rabbits are particularly valuable as preclinical models due to their anatomical and physiological similarities to human eyes. Their retina, which includes a well-defined macular area, allows for the examination of AMD-like changes. Additionally, rabbits are sensitive to dietary-induced metabolic alterations, making them suitable for studies exploring the impact of nutrition on AMD progression. By employing customized rabbit models, researchers can better understand the role of various risk factors in AMD development.

Fig 1. Color fundus photography (CFP), multicolor (MC), and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging in rabbits. Fig. 1. The color fundus photography (CFP), multicolor (MC), and SD-OCT imaging of rabbits. (Yujiao Wang, et al., 2024)

Service Overview

Ace Therapeutics provides specialized services to assist researchers in developing rabbit models for AMD research. Our offerings include customized models that tailored to specific research needs and objectives, alongside comprehensive validation using advanced imaging techniques and histological assessments. This integrated approach allows for detailed observation of retinal health and AMD-like changes, facilitating a deeper understanding of the disease and supporting development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Explore Ace Therapeutics' Rabbit Models of AMD

We offer a range of models, each designed to recapitulate distinct aspects of AMD, including wet AMD models focusing on neovascularization and leakage, and dry AMD models focusing on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration.

Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV)
We precisely induce CNV in the rabbit choroid using laser photocoagulation, recapitulating the aberrant vessel growth characteristic of wet AMD. Ace Therapeutics provides comprehensive monitoring and analysis of CNV formation and regression, offering valuable insights into treatment responses.
DL-2-aminoadipic acid (DL-AAA)-Induced Chronic Retinal Leakage
We utilize DL-AAA, a retinal glial cell toxin, to induce chronic retinal leakage, mimicking the vascular abnormalities observed in wet AMD. The extended duration of leakage in this model, lasting up to 24 months, enables long-term assessment of therapeutic efficacy and provides a unique opportunity to study the chronic effects of treatments.
VEGF-Induced Retinal Leakage
We induce transient retinal leakage through intravitreal injection of VEGF, recapitulating the vascular dysfunction seen in wet AMD. Ace Therapeutics provides detailed analysis of leakage using advanced imaging techniques, including fluorescein angiography, enabling precise quantification of treatment effects.
Sodium Iodate-Induced Retinal Degeneration
We employ systemic administration of sodium iodate to induce RPE degeneration, mimicking the key pathological feature of dry AMD and geographic atrophy. Ace Therapeutics offers comprehensive assessment of RPE damage and retinal function in this model, including histological analysis, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG).

Ace Therapeutics is dedicated to providing customized rabbit models for AMD research, facilitating a deep understanding of this complex disease and supporting the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. For more information about our customized rabbit models and how we can assist you in your AMD research, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Reference

Yujiao Wang, et al. High-fat and high-sucrose diets induce an experimental rabbit model for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dis Model Mech. 2024; dmm.052015.

For Research Use Only.