Regression of experimental iris neovascularization with systemic alpha-interferon.
BACKGROUND
Intraocular neovascularization leads to visual loss in many eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and neovascular glaucoma. Current treatment relies on laser photocoagulation, involving the destruction of functional retinal tissue. A pharmacologic treatment directed at the newly growing vessels would represent a major advance.


METHODS
The authors investigated the effect of systemic alpha-interferon in an experimental model of iris neovascularization in cynomolgus monkeys. Alpha-interferon was administered systemically to animals with angiographically documented iris neovascularization.


RESULTS
Animals in the treatment group showed regression of neovascularization angiographically and histologically in eight of eight eyes. Control animals with documented iris neovascularization, followed without drug treatment, showed progression of the neovascularization in three of three eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Systemic alpha-interferon led to inhibition of neovascularization and regression of new vessels in an experimental model of iris neovascularization. This represents the first successful, controlled treatment of experimental neovascularization in the eye using a systemic drug directed specifically at the neovascular tissue.
Miller
J W
JW
Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114.
Stinson
W G
WG
Folkman
J
J
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007498:Iris / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000150:complications
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins