Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the effects of subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (Avastin; Roche, Welwyn Garden City, UK) on inhibiting corneal neovasculization formation in different rabbit models.
Methods: :
Several rabbit models of corneal neovasculization, including (1) corneal micropocket with VEGF pellet, (2) corneal micropocket with b-FGF pellet, (3) mechanical limbal insufficiency model with corneal neovasculization formation, (4) alkali-burn-induced corneal neovascularization, were used to assess the effects of bevacizumab on inhibiting corneal neovasculization. Subconjunctival injections of bevacizumab with different dosage and frequency were applied. Digital photographs of the cornea were analyzed to determine the area of cornea covered by neovasculization as a percentage of the total corneal area. Immunohistochemical analysis of the corneas for detecting bevacizumab after injection was also performed.
Results: :
Subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab significantly inhibited the corneal neovasculization formation in all animal models in this study (p<0.001, p<0.002, p<0.001, p<0.01, respectively) Time and dose dependent effects was also found. No significant complications were found. Intracorneal bevacizumab immunoreactivity was found for at least three days after subconjunctival injection.
Conclusions: :
Subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (avastin) is effective in inhibiting corneal neovasculization formation in several animal models tested in this study. Bevacizumab may be useful in preventing corneal neovasculization in acute phase of various corneal inflammation.
Keywords: neovascularization • vascular endothelial growth factor • cornea: basic science