Knockdown of the Placental Growth Factor Gene Inhibits Laser Induced Choroidal Neovascularization in a Murine Model

Purpose: to evaluate the effect of placental growth factor (plgf) gene knockdown in a murine model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. methods: choroidal neovascularization was induced in the left eyes of 11 mice by infrared laser. small interfering rna (sirna, 20 picomoles/10 μl) corresponding to plgf mrna was administered intravitreally by hamilton syringe in all subjects. one month later, fluorescein angiography and histolologic examination were performed. results: no leakage was apparent in the 11 eyes treated with sirna cognate to plgf. the results of histological evaluation were consistent with angiographic findings showing absence of choroidal neovascularization. conclusion: knockdown of the plgf gene can inhibit the growth of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice.