Development of new lymphatic vessels in alkali-burned corneas.
OBJECTIVE
Corneal lymphangiogenesis provides an exit route for antigen-presenting cells to regional lymph nodes, inducing immune response. The purpose of this study was to examine the development of corneal lymphatic vessels in alkali-burned corneas.


METHODS
Corneal lymphatic vessels were examined by electron microscopy, 5'-nase-alkaline phosphatase (5'-NA-ALP) double enzyme-histochemistry and whole mount immunofluorescence at 6 hr, 1 day, 3 days, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks after rat corneal alkali injury. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) protein and mRNA was examined 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 days after the injury.


RESULTS
Corneal lymphangiogenesis developed 3 days after alkaline burns, reached its peak 2 weeks after the injury, decreased gradually and disappeared at the end of the fifth week. The expression of VEGF-C in burned corneas increased dramatically on the third day but disappeared the 14th day after the injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Corneal lymphatic vessels develop after alkaline burns and VEGF-C may play an important role in corneal lymphangiogensis.
Ling
Shiqi
S
Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Children's Hospital, China.
Lin
Haotian
H
Liang
Lingyi
L
Xu
Jianggan
J
Xu
Chuangchao
C
Zhao
Wei
W
Liu
Zuguo
Z
D000468:Alkalies / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007634:Keratitis / Q000209:etiology; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D013997:Time Factors; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D000468:Alkalies; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C