Abstract:

Objective  To investigate the effects of Avastin on VEGF protein expression in the cornea and aqueous humor after penetrating keratoplasty. Methods  Rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups: the eyedrop group and the subconjunctival injection group after PKP according to different administration routes. Each group was then divided into the experimental group and the control group based upon whether Avastin intervention was used. Corneal neovascularization (CNV) was observed at the 3rd, 7th and 14th day after the surgery. VEGF expression in the cornea was detected by immunohistochemistry technique and VEGF protein expression in the aqueous humour was measured by ELISA. Results  Growth of corneal neovascularization and expression of VEGF in the cornea and aqueous humor of the experimental groups were significantly lower than those in the control groups (P<0.05). All the observation indexes had no significant difference between the eyedrop groups and the subconjunctival injection groups (P>0.05). Conclusion  Early subconjunctival injection  of Avastin eyedrop can partially inhibit coreal neovascularization after PKP and decrease VEGF protein expression in the cornea and aqueous humour.

Key words: Penetrating keratoplasty, Vascular endothelial growth factor, Avastin