The expression of nuclear factor kappa B in inflammation-induced rat corneal neovascularization.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the involvement of the nuclear-transfactor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) in the rat model of inflammation-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV).


METHODS
The CNV model in Sprague-Dawley rats was induced by alkaline cauterization of the central cornea. The corneas were examined by a slit lamp microscope. NF-kappa B was assayed by Western blot. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. VEGF mRNA levels were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).


RESULTS
Morphologically, the CNV was shown on the second day after cautery. In corneas after cautery, NF-kappa B protein increased 6 hours after cautery, peaked 4 days after cautery, and decreased to near baseline by day 14. VEGF protein and mRNA increased gradually in the early stage after cautery, reached the highest level on the fourth day, and then decreased to near baseline slowly after 7 days.


CONCLUSIONS
The activated NF-kappa B was up-regulated in the early stage of CNV of rat induced by cauterization, which suggests it may participate in the pathogenesis of wound healing, inflammation, and neovascularization processes in the cornea.
Zhang
Ming-Chang
MC
Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. mingchangzhang@hotmail.com
Wang
Yong
Y
Yang
Yun
Y
D000468:Alkalies / Q000633:toxicity; D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002425:Cautery / Q000009:adverse effects; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007634:Keratitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D000468:Alkalies; D016328:NF-kappa B; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A