Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: This study investigated the importance of αvß5 function during vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced corneal angiogenesis by examining the effects of antibody to αvß5 that blocks αvß5 mediated cell adhesion to vitronectin. Methods: A hydrogel disk containing 500 ng of VEGF was implanted into the superior corneal stroma of each of sixteen New Zealand white rabbit eyes. Each eye also received a second hydrogel disk placed adjacent to the first, randomized to contain either 40 µg of antibody to αvß5 (n=8) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)(n=8). Both disks were positioned 1.2 mm apart from the superior limbus. Eyes were examined daily under a stereomicroscope by two observers and assigned an angiogenesis score based on number and length of new blood vessels. Results: On days 3 through 7 postimplantation, angiogenesis scores were significantly lower in eyes treated with antibody to αvß5 (averaged score=16.33) as compared to eyes treated with PBS (averaged score=26.52)(P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Conclusion: In a rabbit corneal micropocket assay, antibody to αvß5 inhibits corneal angiogenesis induced by VEGF Substances that target the integrin αvß5 subunit may have therapeutic potential in disorders characterized by ocular neovascularization.
Keywords: 369 cornea: clinical science • 370 cornea: basic science • 423 growth factors/growth factor receptors