Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Corneal neovascularization is an important risk factor for corneal graft rejection. Our research focuses on determining new ways to inhibit corneal neovascularization with vertiporfin. Vertiporfin has recently been approved for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization in exudative age related macular degeneration (ARMD). Vertiporfin complexes with low density lipoprotein (LDL), which is then bound to and endocytosed by neovascular vessels. The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of LDL-receptor on the endothelial cells of corneal neovascular tissue, to ascertain whether vertiporfin may be used to treat corneal neovascularization after penetrating keratoplasty. Method: Corneal buttons with stromal neovascularization were obtained from patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty. All corneal samples were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for twelve hours and then stored in PBS at 4° C until immunofluorescent staining. Commercially obtained anti-LDL-receptor, control, and secondary fluorescent antibodies were used for staining gall samples using standard immunofluorescent protocols. Results: The immunofluorescent staining patterns for LDL-receptor of corneal buttons with and without stromal neovascularization are compared. Immunofluorescent staining patterns of LDL-receptor and control antibodies on neovascularized corneal buttons will be shown. Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using vertiporfin has been widely applicable in its use for various neovascular disease processes. Since its approval for the treatment of exudative ARMD, vertiporfin has been used experimentally for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with pathologic myopia, presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS), idiopathic CNV, choroidal hemangioma, and central serous chorioretinopathy. The presence of LDL-receptor in the corneal stromal vessels will allow a preferential uptake of vertiporfin-LDL complex, ideal for PDT. The regression of the corneal vessels after PDT will greatly facilitate successful PK and reduce the rate of transplant rejection.
Keywords: 369 cornea: clinical science • 516 photodynamic therapy