Inhibition of Experimental Choroidal Neovascularization by Irsogladine, an Anti-Gastric Ulcer Agent

Purpose: To determine whether irsogladine inhibits experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) induced by laser photocoagulation in pigmented rats. Methods: Focal laser photocoagulation (argon green 50 mW, 0.04 s, 200 µm) was applied to the retinochoroid of normal Brown Norway rats. Oral administration of irsogladine (5 mg/kg/day or 50 mg/kg/day) was started 1 week before and continued for 2 weeks after laser photocoagulation. Choroidal vascular casts were made 2 weeks after laser photocoagulation and were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). CNV formation was classified according to three grades and evaluated. Results: Laser-induced CNV formation was significantly reduced in rats given 5 mg/kg/day (p Conclusions: Irsogladine inhibits the development of experimental CNV induced by photocoagulation in pigmented rats.