Abstract
Purpose: :
This study was confirmed to develop a novel drug delivery system of anti-Flt1 peptide - hyaluronate (HA) conjugate with long acting effect on corneal neovascularization. Anti-Flt1 peptide of GNQWFI has been reported to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) - mediated endothelial cell migration and tube formation.
Methods: :
Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old, male, 250g) were used for corneal neovascularization model. Induction of corneal neovascularization was performed by using a silver nitrate cauterization. All groups were chemically cauterized with an applicator stick (diameter of 1.8 mm) coated with 75% silver nitrate and 25% potassium nitrate. The drug was injected to subconjunctival space. Subconjunctival injections were performed with a 30-gauge needle attached to 100ul Hamilton syringe. 20ul of anti-Flt1 peptide were injected to subconjunctival space. The corneal neovascularization was observed using the ophthalmic microscope with digital camera.
Results: :
Anti-Flt1 peptide - HA conjugate was confirmed from the inhibitory effect on corneal neovascularization in SD rats. VEGF receptor 2 expression in silver nitrate cauterized cornea was also significantly reduced after treatment with anti-Flt1 peptide - HA conjugate.
Conclusions: :
The water-insoluble anti-Flt1 peptide - HA conjugate would be successfully developed as a novel anti-angiogenic therapeutics for the treatment of corneal neovascularization.
Keywords: neovascularization • cornea: basic science • drug toxicity/drug effects