The inhibitory effect of different concentrations of topical bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of topically administered bevacizumab (Avastin) on experimental corneal neovascularization (NV) in rats.


METHODS
Corneal NV was induced by chemical cauterization with silver nitrate sticks applied to the centre of the corneas of 37 Wistar rats. The rats were then randomized to four topical treatment groups: group 1 (n = 10) received 4 mg/ml bevacizumab; group 2 (n = 9) received 2 mg/ml bevacizumab; group 3 (n = 10) received 1 mg/ml bevacizumab, and group 4 (n=8) represented a control group and received saline. All drops were initiated immediately after cauterization and applied twice per day for 7 days. Corneal NV was assessed 8 days after cauterization in a masked fashion, both qualitatively by clinical evaluation and quantitatively by blood vessel count in photographs of histological sections.


RESULTS
On clinical evaluation, groups 1 and 2 showed significantly less NV compared with the saline-treated control group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.024, respectively). Histopathological evaluation showed that only group 1 differed significantly from controls (5% significance level) and normal corneal epithelium was seen in all groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Topically administered bevacizumab at a concentration of 4 mg/ml significantly reduces corneal NV according to both clinical and histopathological evaluations; lower concentrations were less effective on both parameters. No corneal epitheliopathy was found using these concentrations.
Habot-Wilner
Zohar
Z
The Goldschleger Eye Institute, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Barequet
Irina S
IS
Ivanir
Yair
Y
Moisseiev
Joseph
J
Rosner
Mordechai
M
D000287:Administration, Topical; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D003315:Cornea / Q000098:blood supply; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab