The effect of bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of topical application and subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab in the treatment of corneal neovascularization.


METHODS
Corneal neovascularization was induced with a silk suture of the corneal stroma in 12 rabbits (24 eyes). One week after suturing, four rabbits were treated with topical bevacizumab at 5 mg/mL (group A) and another four rabbits were treated with topical bevacizumab 10 mg/mL (group B) in the right eyes twice a day for two weeks. A subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab 1.25 mg/mL was done in the right eyes of four rabbits (group C). All of the left eyes (12 eyes) were used as controls. The area of corneal neovascularization was measured after one and two weeks, and the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in corneal tissue was measured after two weeks.


RESULTS
The neovascularized area was smaller in all treated groups than in the control group (p<0.001). Upon analysis of the neovascularized area, there was no significant difference between groups A and B. However, the mean neovascularized area of group B was significantly smaller than that of group C after two weeks of treatment (p=0.043). The histologic examination revealed fewer new corneal vessels in all treated groups than the control group. The concentration of VEGF was significantly lower in all treated groups compared to the control group (p<0.01), but no difference was shown between treated groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical and subconjunctival bevacizumab application may be useful in the treatment of corneal neovascularization and further study is necessary.
Kim
Wung-Jae
WJ
Department of Ophthalmology, St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Jeong
Hee-Ok
HO
Chung
Sung-Kun
SK
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011817:Rabbits; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab