A model of angiogenesis in the mouse cornea.
OBJECTIVE
The study of angiogenesis depends on reliable and reproducible models for the stimulation of a neovascular response. The purpose of this research was to develop such a model of angiogenesis in the mouse cornea.


METHODS
Uniformly sized Hydron pellets containing either basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and sucralfate were prepared and implanted into the stroma mouse cornea adjacent to the temporal limbus.


RESULTS
Neovascularization of the corneal stroma began on day 3 and was sustained through day 8. The bFGF-induced neovascularization was consistent and dose dependent in C57B1/6, as well as in severe combined immune deficient, beige natural killer cell-deficient, and nude mouse strains. Biomicroscopic and histologic examination of bFGF- and VEGF-induced angiogenesis was notable for the absence of corneal edema or substantial inflammation.


CONCLUSIONS
This noninflammatory model of corneal neovascularization is especially advantageous because it is reproducible, economical, and facilitates investigation of angiogenesis in various murine tumor models as well as in genetically defined murine strains.
Kenyon
B M
BM
Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Voest
E E
EE
Chen
C C
CC
Flynn
E
E
Folkman
J
J
D'Amato
R J
RJ
D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004343:Drug Implants; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008819:Mice, Nude; D016513:Mice, SCID; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D004343:Drug Implants; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; D013392:Sucralfate