Blockage of tissue factor ameliorates the lesion of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice

•This Experimental CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation of retina in mice.•The intravitreal injection of anti-TF monoclonal antibody or 5% glucose solution.•We found that TF expression increased after the after laser application.•Anti-TF monoclonal antibody can decrease reduced the area of CNV.•Anti-TF monoclonal antibody may be therapeutic potential in AMD.

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) occurs as a result of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and causes severe vision loss among elderly patients. High expression of tissue factor (TF) was found in the retinas of AMD patients. In this study, we used anti-TF monoclonal antibody to test the effect of the TF blockage on experimental CNV induced by laser photocoagulation of retina in mice. Anti-TF monoclonal antibody or vehicle was administered intravitreally at day 1, 2 or 3 after laser application. We found that TF expression increased, and reached the peak at the 3rd week after the after laser application. Anti-TF monoclonal antibody can predominantly decrease the expression of TF, VEGF and F4/80, and reduced the area of CNV. Anti-TF monoclonal antibody also decreased incidence of CNV and leakage area. There were no pathological changes in the liver, heart, brain or kidney tissue. We conclude that TF plays an important role in CNV and anti-TF monoclonal antibody significantly decreases CNV in mouse model and anti-TF monoclonal antibody may have therapeutic potential in AMD.