Abstract
Purpose::
Heme oxygenase (HO-1 and HO-2) represents an intrinsic cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory system based on its ability to modulate leukocyte migration and to inhibit expression of inflammatory cytokines and proteins via its products biliverdin/bilirubin and carbon monoxide (CO). We have shown that epithelial injury in HO-2 null mice leads to unresolved corneal inflammation and chronic inflammatory complications including ulceration, perforation and neovascularization (Seta et al, 2006). We now examine the consequences of HO-2 deficiency on hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the model of suture-induced inflammatory neovascularization.
Methods::
A 8.0 silk suture was placed at the corneal apex of wild type (wt) and HO-2 null mice. Neovascularization was assessed by vital microscopy and quantified by image analysis. Hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were determined by immunofluorescence staining using anti-CD31 and anti-LYVE-1 antibodies, respectively, and quantified by image analysis. Leukocyte influx was determined by measuring myeloperoxidase activity. The expression of HO-1, HO-2 and other inflammatory proteins were determined by Western Blot analysis and real time PCR.
Results::
Corneal sutures produced a consistent inflammatory response and a time-dependent neovascularization. The response in HO-2 null mice was associated with a greater increase compared to wt in the number of leukocytes (509600±133200 vs. 148800±32910; p<0.05) and neovessels measured by vital microscopy (22.37±0.92 vs. 12.77±1.55 mm; p<0.001) 4 days after suture placement. Hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were more pronounced in HO-2 null mice compared to WT mice. The exaggerated inflammatory and neovascular response in HO-2 null mice was coupled with increased expression of inflammatory proteins, including COX-2 and CYP4B1 which produce the potent inflammatory lipid mediators, PGE2 and 12-HETrE, respectively.
Conclusions::
The demonstration that the inflammatory responses, including expression of proinflammatory proteins, inflammatory cell influx, hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are exaggerated in HO-2 knockout mice strongly supports the notion that the HO system is critical for controlling the inflammatory and neovascular response in the cornea. Hence, pharmacological amplification of this system may constitute a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of corneal disorders associated with neovascularization.
Keywords: inflammation • neovascularization • cornea: epithelium