J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Nov;42(11):1594-1599.

Inhibitory Effect of Antibody to alphavbeta5 in Corneal Angiogenesis

• Kim KS
• Yang JW
• Chung SK
• Baek NH

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study investigated the importance of alphavbeta5 function during vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced corneal angiogenesis by examining the effects of antibody to alphavbeta5 that blocks alphav 5-mediated cell adhesion to vitronectin.
METHODS
A hydrogel disk containing 500 ng of VEGF was implanted into the superior corneal stroma of each of sixteen New Zealand white rabbit eyes. Each eye also received a second hydrogel disk placed adjacent to the first, randomized to contain either 40 g of antibody to alphavbeta5 (n=8) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)(n=8). Both disks were positioned 1.2 mm apart from the superior limbus. Eyes were examined daily under a stereomicroscope by two observers and assigned an angiogenesis score based on number and length of new blood vessels.
RESULTS
On days 3 through 7 postimplantation, angiogenesis scores were significantly lower in eyes treated with antibody to alphavbeta5 (averaged score=16.33) as compared to eyes treated with PBS (averaged score=26.52)(P<0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test).
CONCLUSIONS
In a rabbit corneal micropocket assay, antibody to alphavbeta5 inhibits corneal angiogenesis induced by VEGF. Substances that target the integrin alphavbeta5 subunit may have therapeutic potential in disorders characterized by ocular neovascularization.

Keyword

Angiogenesis; Corneal micropocket assay; Integrin alphav 5; Vascular endothelial growth factor

MeSH Terms

Blood Vessels
Cell Adhesion
Corneal Neovascularization*
Corneal Stroma
Hydrogel
New Zealand
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Vitronectin
Hydrogel
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Vitronectin