Study of Antiangiogenic Somatostatin Conjugate (JF–10–81)

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal camptothecin–somatostatin conjugate (JF–10–81), an antiangiogenic compound. Methods: Long–Evans pigmented rats developed choroidal neovascularization induced by argon laser in a study approved by the university’s IACUC, conforming to the ARVO resolution on the care of animals in research. One eye per animal was injected with JF–10–81 in a concentration of 10^–5M (safe dose evaluated in a previous study) while the other eyes were controls and received 30 µl of sterile water at different time intervals after laser application. Fluorescein angiography was performed at various time points to evaluate the lesions and confirm the presence of CNV. Animals were euthanized. The eyes were immediately enucleated and prepared for histological examination. Results: Fluorescein angiography revealed that intravitreal injection of somatostatin conjugate JF–10–81 favorably affected the development of CNV when the treatment was performed at least two weeks after the laser application. These results were statistically significant. Histologic analysis results of eyes treated two weeks after laser application also showed significant benefit. Conclusions: Conjugate JF–10–81 at a concentration of 10^–5M administered intravitreally 2–3 weeks post laser demonstrated statistically significant efficacy in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization.

Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • drug toxicity/drug effects