Experimental Inhibition of Corneal Neovascularization by Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin

• Published in: Current eye research 2006-03, Vol.31 (3), p.215-224
• Main Authors: Yoon, Kyung-Chul, Ahn, Kyu Youn, Lee, Song Eun, Kim, Kyung Keun, Im, Seong-Kyu, Oh, Han-Jin, Jeong, In-Young, Park, Sang-Woo, Park, Yeoung-Geol, Nah, Hyeon-Ju, Im, Wook-Bin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; corneal neovascularization; Corneal Neovascularization - diagnostic imaging; Corneal Neovascularization - drug therapy; Corneal Neovascularization - pathology; Disease Models, Animal; Microscopy, Acoustic; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Photochemotherapy - methods; photodynamic therapy; Photosensitizing Agents - therapeutic use; Porphyrins - therapeutic use; Rabbits; Treatment Outcome; verteporfin
• ISSN: 0271-3683; 1460-2202
• DOI: 10.1080/02713680600559564

Purpose: To investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in a rabbit model of corneal neovascularization. Methods: One week after suturing, the localization of verteporfin in the neovascularized cornea was examined through fluorescent microscopy 1 hr after administration. Rabbits were treated with one or two times of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin at 1-week intervals. Analysis of corneal neovascularization was performed by biomicroscopic and histological examinations. Results: Fluorescent microscopy showed green fluorescence in the vascular walls and interstitial tissue of the corneal stroma. The mean percentages of neovascularized corneal area at 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks after one time of photodynamic therapy were 90.3% ± 3.5%, 71.6% ± 6.2%, and 43.6% ± 15.1% in treated eyes and 96.4% ± 1.9% (p = 0.10), 88.6% ± 4.6% (p = 0.01), and 76.8% ± 4.4% (p < 0.01) in control eyes, respectively. The mean percentages 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks after two times of photodynamic therapy were also significantly lower in treated eyes compared with control eyes. In quantitative histological examination at 1 and 2 weeks after therapy, treated eyes showed significantly less neovascular area and number of vessels than control eyes. Conclusions: Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin is a safe and useful procedure to reduce experimental corneal neovascularization and can be used to inhibit angiogenesis in the cornea.