Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the inhibitory effect of itraconazole on corneal neovascularization in rabbits.
Methods:
Corneal neovascularization was induced in 36 eyes of 18 rabbits by suture placement in the corneal stroma. Seven days after suture placement, all rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups and were treated four times daily with balanced salt solution (Group 1, 4 rabbits), topical 0.5% itraconazole (5 mg/mL , Group 2, 4 rabbits), topical 1% itraconazole (10 mg/mL , Group 3, 6 rabbits), and topical 2% itraconazole (20 mg/mL , Group 4, 4 rabbits). After one week, the surface area of corneal neovascularization was assessed on the digital photographs. In the corneal specimens, the concentration of VEGF A (vascular endothelial growth factor), VEGF R2, and PLGF (placental growth factor) mRNAs was measured by RT-PCR, and the concentration of ERK, p-ERK, Flk, and p-Flk was measured by Western Blotting.
Results:
The surface area of induced corneal neovascularization was significantly smaller in Groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to the control group on day 14 (p<0.05). RT-PCR analysis showed that the mean concentration of VEGF and PLGF in Groups 2, 3, and 4 was significantly lower than that in the control group after 7 days of treatment. Western Blotting analysis showed that the mean concentration of p-ERK, Flk, and p-Flk in Group 3 was significantly lower than that in the control group after 7 days of treatment.
Conclusions:
Topical itraconazole application was useful for effective inhibition of experimental corneal neovascularization.