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The mouse cornea micropocket angiogenesis assay

Nature Protocols volume 2, pages 2545–2550 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

The mouse corneal micropocket angiogenesis assay uses the avascular cornea as a canvas to study angiogenesis in vivo. Through the use of standardized slow-release pellets, a predictable angiogenic response is generated over the course of 5 d and then quantified. Uniform slow-release pellets are prepared by mixing purified angiogenic growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor or vascular endothelial growth factor with sucralfate (a stabilizer) and Hydron (poly-HEMA (poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)) to allow slow release). This mixture is applied to a mesh that controls unit size and then allowed to harden. A micropocket is surgically created in the mouse cornea and a pellet implanted. Five days later, the area of the cornea overgrown by the angiogenic response is measured using a slit lamp. A skilled investigator can implant and grade 40 eyes in about 2.5 h. The results of the assay are used to assess the ability of potential therapeutic molecules or genetic differences to modulate angiogenesis in vivo.

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Figure 1: Assessment of area of corneal neovascularization.
Figure 2: Creation of a corneal micropocket and pellet implantation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. and Department of Ophthalmology, The Vascular Biology Program, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, 02115, Massachusetts, USA

    Michael S Rogers, Amy E Birsner & Robert J D'Amato

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  1. Michael S Rogers
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  2. Amy E Birsner
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  3. Robert J D'Amato
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Correspondence to Robert J D'Amato.

Supplementary information

Supplementary Video 1

Video showing the formation of a corneal micropocket and pellet implantation (MOV 5822 kb)

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Rogers, M., Birsner, A. & D'Amato, R. The mouse cornea micropocket angiogenesis assay. Nat Protoc 2, 2545–2550 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2007.368

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