J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Jul;42(7):1053-1062.

Effect of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor(VEGF) on the Corneal Neovascularization and Expression of MMP-2, 9, TIMP-1, 2 and flk-1

• Lee JB
• Jung SE
• Lee HC
• Kwon HM
• Hong BK
• Park HY
• Kim EK
• Oh JH

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to clarify the degree of corneal neovascularization and its expression of MMP-2. 9(matrix metalloproteinase) and TIMP-1, 2(tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases) according to the different concentrations of VEGF(vascular endothelial growth factor).
METHODS
After the pellets with different amounts of VEGF(VEGF 125, 250 ng) were inserted into the corneal stroma of rat model, their degree of corneal neovascularization and the expression of MMP-2, 9 and TIMP-1, 2 were compared with those of control group where pellets were filled with phosphate-buffered saline.
RESULTS
At the 7th day after the pellet insertion, degree of neovascularization was most highly scored in the group with pellet which contained the largest amount of VEGF, 250 ng, and there was statistically noticeable increase of eovascularization with the increase of VEGF amount(P<0.05). On immunohistochemical staining, as the amount of VEGF increases, not only MMP-2, 9 and flk-1, but also TIMP-1, 2 were expressed more.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, when it comes to neovascularization, MMP-2, 9, which induces angiogenesis, as well as its inhibitor TIMP-1, 2 are increased to maintain the homeostasis of the cornea.

Keyword

Corneal neovascularization; flk-1; MMP-2, 9; TIMP-1, 2; VEGF

MeSH Terms

Cornea
Corneal Neovascularization*
Corneal Stroma
Homeostasis
Models, Animal
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1*
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A