Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the effect of topically administered diclofenac, ketorolac, and etanercept on experimental corneal neovascularization.
Methods: :
Chemical cauterization of the cornea in 32 eyes of 32 rats was performed using silver nitrate sticks to induce corneal neovascularization. Topical instillation of diclofenac (Volteran, Novartis Pharmaceuticals), ketorolac (Acular, Allergan), and etanercept (Enbrel, Immunex Corp.) was compared to normal saline treatment for inhibition of neovascularization for 7 days. All animals were treated in accordance with the ARVO guidelines on the care and use of animals in research. The animals were randomly divided in 4 groups. Group 1 (n=8) received balanced salt solution (control), group 2 (n=8) received ketorolac 0.5 %, group 3 (n=8) received diclofenac 0.1%, and group 4 (n=8) received 200 µg/ml of etanercept. Percentage area of cornea covered by neovascularization and scar in each group was calculated separately by use of computer software on digital photographs.
Results: :
The mean percent of neovascularization in the diclofenac and ketorolac groups was significantly different from the control group (p< 0.01 and p< 0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference in the mean percent area of neovascularization between the control and etanercept groups. There was no significant difference in percent area of corneal scar between control and study groups.
Conclusions: :
Topically administered diclofenac and ketorolac inhibited neovascularization in a rat model of corneal neovascularization; etanercept, however, did not. Diclofenac and ketorolac may prove to be adjunct drugs for the treatment of corneal neovascularization.
Keywords: drug toxicity/drug effects