Topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization in an experimental rat model.

Abstract

AIMS:

To evaluate and compare the inhibitory effects of topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization in a rat model.

METHODS:

Twenty corneas of 20 rats were chemically cauterized with silver nitrate sticks. Animals were randomized into four groups: a control group that received only topical artificial tear drops twice daily, a subconjunctival injection group that received 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) of bevacizumab on the 1st, 4th, and 7th day, and two topical bevacizumab groups that received instillation of 4 or 12.5 mg/ml bevacizumab twice daily. Digital photographs of the cornea were taken and analyzed using an image analysis software program. On the 10th day, corneas were excised and examined histologically.

RESULTS:

The mean percentage of the vascularized corneal area (%) in the control group was 63.32 ± 13.10 (mean ± SD), compared with 30.22 ± 15.73 in the subconjunctival injection group, 26.76 ± 10.23 in the 4-mg/ml topical group, and 25.52 ± 12.45 in the 12.5-mg/ml group. The differences between the control and each treatment group were significant (all p < 0.01). Further, histological examination revealed that each treatment group had fewer vessels than the control group (all p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Both subconjunctival injection and topical use of bevacizumab are effective and safe in controlling corneal neovascularization.

• Authors: Veysi Öner, Cem Küçükerdönmez, Yonca Aydın Akova, Aysel Çolak, Aylin Karalezli
• Journal: Ophthalmic research (Ophthalmic Res) Vol. 48 Issue 3 Pg. 118-23 ( 2012) ISSN: 1423-0259 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 22538642 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• vascular endothelial growth factor A, rat
• Bevacizumab

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (administration & dosage)
• Animals
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized (administration & dosage)
• Bevacizumab
• Conjunctiva
• Cornea (blood supply, pathology)
• Corneal Neovascularization (drug therapy, pathology)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Injections, Intraocular
• Male
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (antagonists & inhibitors)