[Effect of human interferon-beta on reconstruction of the choriocapillaris in monkeys following laser photocoagulation].

We studied the effect of human interferon-beta on reconstruction of the choriocapillaris following laser photocoagulation in monkey eyes. Moderate dye laser photocoagulation caused the occlusion of the choriocapillaris by the intraluminal thrombus in the photocoagulated lesions on the retina. After 3 days, immature endothelial cells began to migrate towards the center from the edge of the lesions. After 7 days capillaries were newly formed, and after 14 days the choriocapillaris in the lesions was almost reconstructed. Systemic administration of interferon-beta after photocoagulation suppressed the reconstruction of the choriocapillaris remarkably. These results suggest that interferon-beta inhibits proliferation and migration of the capillary endothelium on the retina. Interferon-beta may be effective as medication for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.