Research Category:

FY: 2005 Funding (in dollars): $255,000

Responsible Organization: AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB/BROOKS
Primary Contact: US Army Medical Reserach Detachment of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
City: Brooks City-Base
State: TX
Zip: 78235-5116

Keywords: LABORATORY ANIMALS RETINA LASER INJURY DAMAGE PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY VERTEPORPHIN NONSTEROIDAL STEROIDS

Objective: Demonstrate that early treatment of laser lesions can enhance retinal repair processes with less scarring and greater preservation of retinal tissue than untreated lesions. Four NHPs have been enrolled into this study to date to determine laser exposure parameters compatible with the production of subretinal neovascular membranes suitable for study by use of photodynamic therapy and medical treatment.

Approach: Retinal lesions will be laser-induced in anesthetized, nonhuman primates. Animals will be placed into one of various groups to assess the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy alone and in combination with medical treatment to reduce the size and arrest the growth of sub-retinal neovascular membranes. Photodynamic therapy alone or in combination with medical treatment may permit salvage of retinal tissue in the setting of sight threatening laser injury. Animals will be treated in accordance with study design and evaluated over a period of 6 months for effectiveness of treatment.     
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Research was conducted in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and other Federal statutes and regulations relating to the use of animals in research and was reviewed and approved by the Institute's Animal Care and Use Committee.