Involvement of Matrix Metalloproteinas–2 in corneal angiogenesis

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of MMP–2 in choroidal (subretinal) neovascularisation. We set out to investigate the role of MMP–2 in corneal neovascularization. Methods:An inflammatory mouse model of corneal angiogenesis was used. A silk suture was placed in the centre of the cornea of homozygote wild–type (MMP–2 WT) and MMP–2 deficient mice (MMP–2 KO) to create a limbal ingrowth of vessels. Sutured animals were perfused with fluorescein dextran at 3, 6 and 9 days and the corneas were dissected and flat–mounted on glass slides. The neovascular area was quantified with digital image analysis. Expression of MMP–2 mRNA in the corneal angiogenesis model was done by in situ hybridization. Results:MMP–2 mRNA was strongly up–regulated in neovascularized corneas. Corneal neovascularisation in MMP–2 KO mice was decreased compared to MMP–2 WT mice. This difference was significant (p<0.01) at later time–points. Conclusions:In this mouse model MMP–2 seems to be involved in the development of the corneal neovascularisation. These results may have clinical applications through the existence of synthetic MMP–antagonsists.

Keywords: neovascularization • enzymes/enzyme inhibitors • cornea: basic science