The effect of topical infliximab on corneal neovascularization in rabbits.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To determine the efficacy of topical application of infliximab [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) monoclonal antibody] for the treatment of corneal neovascularization in the rabbit model.

METHODS:

In 12 rabbits (24 eyes), the corneal stroma was sutured to induce corneal neovascularization. One week after suture, corneal neovascularization was confirmed and the subjects were divided into 4 groups of 3 rabbits. Sterilized balanced salt solution was applied in the control group, and the experimental groups were treated with infliximab eye drops of varying concentrations (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL) twice daily for a week. The area of corneal neovascularization was measured and analyzed in all groups on day 3 and day 7. On day 7, all eyes were extracted to compare the TNF-α messenger RNA concentration by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and the vascular endothelial growth factor activity of corneal neovascular tissue was observed by fluorescence immunostaining.

RESULT:

On day 7, all 3 experimental groups (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL) had a significantly reduced area of corneal neovascularization compared with the control group (P = 0.043, 0.027, and 0.01, respectively) and significantly reduced TNF-α messenger RNA (P = 0.038, 0.031, and 0.022, respectively). Fluorescence immunostaining confirmed the reduced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in all 3 experimental groups compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The application of infliximab is expected to effectively inhibit corneal neovascularization. Further clinical studies are necessary.

• Authors: Jae Woo Kim, Sung Kun Chung
• Journal: Cornea (Cornea) Vol. 32 Issue 2 Pg. 185-90 (Feb 2013) ISSN: 1536-4798 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23146933 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• RNA, Messenger
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• Infliximab

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Corneal Neovascularization (drug therapy, metabolism, pathology)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Infliximab
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• RNA, Messenger (metabolism)
• Rabbits
• Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Treatment Outcome
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (genetics, immunology)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (metabolism)