Abstract
Purpose: :
Corneal neovascularization is associated with inflammatory disruption of an exquisitely balanced corneal immune system. Two methods of producing corneal neovascularization in laboratory animals, namely silver nitrate cauterization and suturing, are applied extensively nowadays. In this communication, we established a standard protocol for corneal neovascularization in rodents, and reassessed the traditional procedure and outcome.
Methods: :
Male C57 mice were anesthetized by ketamine and xylazine. We performed two traditional methods to induce corneal neovascularization. Silver nitrate cauterization: by applying the tip of a silver nitrate applicator stick to the center of cornea for 10 or 15 seconds, followed by extensive rinsing of corneal surface with balanced salt solution. Suturing: by placing three 11-0 sutures intrastromally with two stromal incursions each extending over 120° of the corneal circumference. These procedures were combined with corneal de-epithelialization (whole cornea versus central cornea with one-third of corneal diameter).
Results: :
Silver nitrate cauterization combined with corneal de-epithelialization resulted in a pronounced angiogenic response. Morphometric analysis showed significant increase of blood vessel coverage on cornea after this combined treatment than de-epithelialization alone (P<0.01) or cauterization alone (P<0.01). Cauterization after whole corneal de-epithelialization, however, showed higher rate of corneal ulcer. On the other hand, suturing on de-epithelialized cornea had high angiogenic response than that with intact epithelium (P<0.01).
Keywords: neovascularization • cornea: basic science