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Erschienen in:
01.10.2009 | Inflammatory Disorders
Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody-induced regression of corneal neovascularization and inflammation in a rabbit model of herpetic stromal keratitis
Erschienen in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | Ausgabe 10/2009
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Background
To determine the efficacy of bevacizumab (Avastin), an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, administrated via subconjunctival injection as a corneal anti-angiogenic treatment.
Methods
Right corneas of rabbits were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1, KOS strain. On day 13 post-infection (p.i.), animals were treated subconjunctivally (sc) with a single 10-μl dose (25 μg/μl) of bevacizumab (group A) or with the same volume of an isotype monoclonal antibody, as negative control (group B). All animals were observed clinically on days 2, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 p.i., and two corneas each day were obtained for histological assessment and viral titration.
Results
Viral replication was observed no longer than 5 days after infection. By day 7 a dense neutrophil invasion of the cornea was detected, which significantly increased while herpetic stromal keratitis progressed in severity. Positive outcomes observed following the treatment with bevacizumab, compared to control, included: (1) Total involution of neovascularization, (2) reduction in disease severity, (3) improved corneal translucency, (4) absence of scarring, (5) preservation of corneal thickness, (6) no neutrophil infiltration of the cornea.
Conclusions
Subconjunctival administration of bevacizumab induced involution of new vessels, abolished inflammatory response, and resulted in return of corneal function. Furthermore, bevacizumab is a novel approach for the treatment of herpetic stromal keratitis.