Effect of topical anti-transforming growth factor-beta on corneal stromal haze after photorefractive keratectomy in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between anti-transforming growth factor-beta (anti-TGF-beta) antibodies and the amount of corneal stromal haze after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.


METHODS
Nineteen rabbits had bilateral PRK. Dichlorotriazinyl fluorescein was used to stain the exposed stroma; all rabbits were then treated with antibiotic ointment for 4 days. Ten rabbits were randomized to treatment with topical anti-TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3 antibody 50 microg three times a day for 4 days; the others received diluent three times a day for 4 days. Stromal haze was graded weekly for 8 weeks on a 0 to 4+ scale. At the end of the study, all corneas were examined histopathologically.


RESULTS
All treated eyes developed appreciable haze. Seven control rabbits and one antibody-treated rabbit had an epithelial erosion (P = .00001). Antibody-treated rabbits had significantly less haze at 3, 4, and 5 weeks (right eyes) and 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 weeks (left eyes) (P < .05). Histopathology and fluorescence microscopy showed subepithelial collagen deposition consistent with clinical haze.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical anti-TGF-beta antibody reduced stromal haze after PRK in the rabbit model and may be clinically beneficial in humans.
Thom
S B
SB
Cataract and Primary Eye Care Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Myers
J S
JS
Rapuano
C J
CJ
Eagle
R C
RC
Siepser
S B
SB
Gomes
J A
JA
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D003094:Collagen