Abstract
Purpose: :
In previous experiments we found that intravenous suramab (compound of bevacizumab and suramin) had a synergistic antiangiogenic effect. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of subconjuntival Suramab on corneal neovascularization.
Methods: :
Corneal NV was induced in three groups of nine White New Zealand rabbits, applying a filter paper disc soaked in 1M Na (OH) on the central cornea. Group 1 was treated after injury with intravenous Suramab at a dosis equivalent to 3mg/kg of bevacizumab and 10mg/kg of suramin, Group 2 was treated with subconjunctival Suramab at a dosis equivalent to 1.5mg/kg of bevacizumab and 7mg/kg of Suramin, and Group 3 did not receive any treatment. Digital photographs were taken at days 9, 15, 21 and 35. NV index (NVI) was calculated using the jimage program. Neovessels formation was quantified given a score from 0 to 4 to each quadrant according to the centripetal growth of the longest vessel. Scores of the four quadrants were added up to obtain the NVI.
Results: :
The NVI was remarkably inferior through out the whole study in animals treated with Suramab compared with controls. Nine days after injury, the NVI was much lower in treated groups (iv mean 1.55; sc mean 1.57) than in control group (mean 4.77). The comparison between iv and sc Suramab revealed similar results at 9 days and much reduced neovessels formation in the iv group at 15 days (mean 2.77 and 5.43, respectively).
Conclusions: :
Intravenous and subconjuntival Suramab reduced corneal neovascularization, but the duration of the effect was much shorter using the subconjuntival route. Further experiments will be done to understand Suramab's biodisponibility and to design an ocular drug delivery system.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • neovascularization • inhibitory receptors