Experimental inhibition of corneal neovascularization by photodynamic therapy with verteporfin.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in a rabbit model of corneal neovascularization.


METHODS
One week after suturing, the localization of verteporfin in the neovascularized cornea was examined through fluorescent microscopy 1 hr after administration. Rabbits were treated with one or two times of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin at 1-week intervals. Analysis of corneal neovascularization was performed by biomicroscopic and histological examinations.


RESULTS
Fluorescent microscopy showed green fluorescence in the vascular walls and interstitial tissue of the corneal stroma. The mean percentages of neovascularized corneal area at 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks after one time of photodynamic therapy were 90.3% +/- 3.5%, 71.6% +/- 6.2%, and 43.6% +/- 15.1% in treated eyes and 96.4% +/- 1.9% (p = 0.10), 88.6% +/- 4.6% (p = 0.01), and 76.8% +/- 4.4% (p < 0.01) in control eyes, respectively. The mean percentages 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks after two times of photodynamic therapy were also significantly lower in treated eyes compared with control eyes. In quantitative histological examination at 1 and 2 weeks after therapy, treated eyes showed significantly less neovascular area and number of vessels than control eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin is a safe and useful procedure to reduce experimental corneal neovascularization and can be used to inhibit angiogenesis in the cornea.
Yoon
Kyung-Chul
KC
Department of Ophthalmology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea. ophyoon@hanmail.net
Ahn
Kyu Youn
KY
Lee
Song Eun
SE
Kim
Kyung Keun
KK
Im
Seong-Kyu
SK
Oh
Han-Jin
HJ
Jeong
In-Young
IY
Park
Sang-Woo
SW
Park
Yeoung-Geol
YG
Nah
Hyeon-Ju
HJ
Im
Wook-Bin
WB
D000818:Animals; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077362:Verteporfin
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin