First Author: V.Liarakos GREECE
Co Author(s): D. PAPACONSTANTINOU I. VERGADOS M. DOUVALI P. THEODOSSIADIS
Purpose:
To evaluate the effectiveness of subconjunctival anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monoclonal antibody ranibizumab on corneal neovascularization.
Setting:
: Experimental research study. University of Athens, Greece.
Methods:
Twenty N.Zealand albino rabbits were used in this experimental study. Alkali injury neovascularization was induced in 16 rabbits randomly divided in 2 equal groups. Cauterized eyes received either 0.1ml (1mg) of ranibizumab subconjunctivally (treated group) or a sham injection (untreated group). A third group of 4 uncauterized rabbits was injected with 0.1ml of ranibizumab subconjunctivally, in order to evaluate possible side-effects. The extent of corneal scarring and neovascularization was measured on day 7 and 14. After enucleation, ocular tissues were surgically separated and VEGF levels were measured with ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the extent of corneal neovascularization and VEGF levels between treated and untreated eyes.
Results:
Subconjunctival ranibizumab inhibited corneal neovascularization in treated cauterized eyes compared to untreated controls both in the first and the second week (P=0.01 and P <0.001 respectively; Mann-Whitney U test). VEGF levels were significantly lower in the cornea, iris, aqueous humor and bulbar conjunctiva of the treated eyes (P <0.01; Mann-Whitney U test). Corneal neovascularization progressed during follow-up despite treatment (P =0.002; ANOVA); however, the neovascularized area was at least 3 times smaller than in untreated eyes. No side-effects were noticed.
Conclusions:
Early subconjunctival administration of ranibizumab may successfully inhibit corneal neovascularization at least in an alkali injury rabbit model. VEGF levels are reduced significantly not only in the cornea and the bulbar conjunctiva but also in the aqueous humor and the iris.
Financial Disclosure:
No
