Abstract
Purpose: :
To analyze the effect of intrastromal Suramin on experimentally induced corneal neovascularization (NV) in a rabbit model.
Methods: :
NV was induced by silk 6.0 suture in peripheral cornea from 8 New Zealand rabbits and were randomly distributed into three groups: Control Group (n=4): intrastromal injection (30G) of Balanced Saline Solution (BSS) 14 days after injury. Suramin Group 1 (n=2): 8mg/0,2mL intrastromal injection (30G) of Suramin 14 days after injury. Suramin Group 2 (n=2): 4mg/0,2mL intrastromal injection (30G) of Suramin 14 days after injury. Biomicroscopic photographies were taken at days 7 (D7), 14 (D14), 21 (D21) and 28 (D28). NV areas (pixels) were processed and morphometrically analyzed by Image J 1.31v software. The area of NV on D14 was considered as 100%. The percent change from this value at D21 and D28 were presented. In addition, the concentration of NV (branches/area) was analyzed.
Results: :
Average NV area at D28 was largest in Group 2 (438.1%) followed closely by Group 1 (331.2%). Control group featured smaller areas than Suramin groups (128.2%). NV concentration was higher in Suramin groups at D21 but decreased at D28, compared to control. Unexpected loss of corneal transparency and whitish opaque intrastromal deposit were observed in rabbits from Group 1 and 2 at D21, wich disappeared later compared to control. Intracameral injection of Suramin occurred accidentally in one rabbit (Group 2), however the animal showed no difference in NV area compared to the other from same group.
Conclusions: :
Intrastromally injected Suramin may maximize or even yield an intense NV process in comparison to control. We speculate that such unexpected results may be caused either by a direct action of the drug in the corneal stroma or by secondary injection inflammation related.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • neovascularization • inhibitory receptors