Abstract:AIM: To investigate the effects of naringenin on laser- induced experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rat models, ocular blood flow and retinal function recovery after ischemic insults in rat eyes. METHODS: Male Brown Norway rats were treated to break the Bruch's membrane. Naringenin 10g/L (20mg/kg) was given once per day through intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks after laser treatment. The development of CNV was determined by fluorescein angiography (FA) performed on week 2 and 4. The colored microsphere technique and electroretinography method were used for the study of ocular blood flow and retinal function recovery, respectively. RESULTS: The choroidal blood flow in elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) rabbit eyes was significantly increased by 10g/L naringenin solution as compared to control group (P < 0.05). The retinal function recovery after ischemic insults in rat eyes indicated significant increase of b-wave recovery in treated group, as compared to control group (P <0.05). The intensity of fluorescein leakage from the photocoagulated lesions significantly decreased in treated group, compared to the control group (75.8%-95.0%, P <0.01). CONCLUSION: Naringenin could prevent the development of CNV on laser-induced experimental rat models, increase the choroidal blood flow in elevated IOP rabbit eyes and be beneficial on retinal function recovery in ischemic rat eyes.
