Effect of a novel octapeptide urokinase fragment, A6, on experimental choroidal neovascularization in the monkey.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the inhibitory effects of a urokinase-derived octapeptide, A 6, on laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in monkeys.


METHODS
Twenty female cynomolgus monkeys were randomly grouped into weekly or monthly A 6 treatment groups, each consisting of 10 animals. CNV was induced in both eyes by perimacular laser treatment. In each right eye, a single 22.25-mg A 6 dose (monthly group) or 4 22.25-mg A 6 doses each week (weekly group) were given by intravitreal injections. Each left eye received phosphate buffer on the same schedule. Monkeys were observed for 4 weeks by ophthalmic examinations, color photography, and fluorescein angiography.


RESULTS
Weekly treated eyes had a 35% reduction of CNV compared with controls (P = 0.23). In contrast, monthly treated eye had a 71% reduction of CNV compared with controls (P = 0.0009). There was no evidence of toxicity at both clinical and pathologic examinations.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravitreal A 6 injections effectively inhibited CNV in cynomolgus monkeys without evidence of toxicity. The overall reduction in CNV was greater for monthly treated eyes than for weekly treated eyes. This study suggests that A 6 has promise as a local antiangiogenic treatment of CNV. Further work is indicated to evaluate the potential role of A 6 in therapy for human CNV associated with age-related macular degeneration.
Joan and Irwin Jacobs Retina Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, 9415 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0946, USA.
Hyoung J
HJ
Koh
William R
WR
Freeman
Stanley P
SP
Azen
Christina J
CJ
Flaxel
Laurie D
LD
Labree
Linguen
L
Cheng
Margaret
M
Wills
Terence R
TR
Jones
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity; D000818:Animals; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D007267:Injections; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity; D019233:Retreatment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity; D014822:Vitreous Body
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator; C489333:acetyl-lysyl-prolyl-seryl-seryl-prolyl-prolyl-glutamyl-glutamic acid amide