Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine the efficacy of topical application and subconjunctival injection of methotrexate in the treatment of corneal neovascularization unsing the rabbit model.
Methods: :
Corneal neovascularization was induced with a silk suture of the corneal stroma in 12 rabbits(24 eyes). One week after suturing, 4 rabbits were treated with topical methotrexate 2mg/ml (Group A) and another 4 rabbits were treated with topical 4mg/ml (Group B) four-times a day. Methotrexate 2mg/ml (0.1ml) were injected subconjunctivally in 4 rabbits(Group C). After 2 weeks later, the area of corneal neovascularization was measured using light microscopy. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in corneal tissue was measured.
Results: :
The neovascularized area was significantly reduced in group A, B, and C groups compared with control group(P<0.001). In analysis of the neovascularized area, there was no significant difference between group A and group B. The concentration of VEGF and IL-6 were each significantly lower in the treated groups(Group A, B and C) than control group(P<0.01), but no difference was shown between treated groups. The corneal epithelium, stroma, and endothelium showed a normal appearance.
Conclusions: :
Topical and subconjunctival methotrexate application may be useful in treatment of the corneal neovascularization and a further study will be necessary.
Keywords: neovascularization • cornea: clinical science • cytokines/chemokines