Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine the efficacy of topical application and subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab in the treatment of corneal neovascularization.
Methods: :
Corneal neovascularization was induced with a silk suture of the corneal stroma in 8 rabbits(16 eyes). One week after suturing, 4 rabbits were treated with topical bevacizumab 5 mg/ml (A group) in the right eyes twice a day. Bevacizumab 1.25 mg/ml were injected subconjunctivally in the right eyes of 4 rabbits(B group). The all left eyes(8 eyes) were used as the control. The area of corneal neovascularization was measured and evaluated histologically using light microscopy. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in corneal tissue was measured.
Results: :
The neovascularized area was smaller in A and B groups than in control group (P <0.001). In analysis of the neovascularized area, there was no significant difference between group with treated topical bevacizumab 5 mg/ml (A group) and subconjunctival bevacizumab 1.25 mg injection(B group). The histologic examination revealed fewer new corneal vessels in treated group(A, and B groups) than control group. The corneal epithelium, stroma, and endothelium showed a normal appearance. The concentration of VEGF was 998.33±130.93 pg/ml in group A and 968.24±83.34 pg/ml in group B. The concentration of VEGF were significantly lower in the treated groups(A and B groups) than control group(1284.33±223.01 pg/ml)(P<0.01), but no difference was shown between treated groups(P>0.05).
Conclusions: :
Topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab application may be useful in treatment of the corneal neovascularization and a further study will be necessary.
Keywords: cornea: basic science • neovascularization