Choice of an experimental model and modeling method in the study of the pathogenesis and methods of treatment of age-related macular degeneration (review)

Background. Experimental modeling of various pathological processes in the organ of vision is an integral part of both fundamental and applied research. For a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and testing of new methods of its treatment, various experimental models of AMD in animals have been developed. However, at the stage of setting up the experiment, each researcher faces the difficult task of choosing an adequate animal model that has the closest homology with human anatomy and pathology, as well as a method for modeling it.Purpose. To analyze the literature data concerning the choice of AMD experimental model and methods for its modeling, to assess the advantages and limitations of their use in the study of the pathogenesis and effectiveness of modern methods for treating this ophthalmopathology.Materials and methods. The analysis of publications on PubMed, eLibrary, Cyberleninka resources for the period from 2000 year to the present has been carried out.Results. The review considers the criteria for selecting experimental models and groups of animals most often used as an object of study (mice, rats, rabbits, pigs and primates). Among the methods for AMD modeling, chemically induced methods (using sodium iodate, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and cobalt chloride), as well as physically induced methods (mechanical and light damage to reti na) were analyzed.Conclusion. The use of rabbits as an object of study, even though the macular area is absent, is a well-established model of AMD, in view of the fact that the structure of their reti na corresponds to the general structure of the mammalian retina in areas of greatest visual acuity. Light-induced retinal damage occupies a leading position among AMD modeling methods, which is characterized by a number of advantages – control of the time and intensity of exposure to obtain the required degree of degeneration. The information presented in this review will allow researchers to choose the most adequate model among experimental animals and a method for modeling AMD.