Abstract:AIM:To investigate and assess the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland) for treatment of corneal neovascularization (CoNV) in rabbit eye model. METHODS:New Zealand rabbits were randomly devided into 2 groups. Corneal neovascularization was induced in rabbits by placing an intrastromal silk suture near the limbus in 2 groups. Group Ⅰreceived PDT in which verteporfin was administered by intravenous injection at a dose of 1.5mg/kg. Group Ⅱ was a positive control group. The change of CoNV was observed with slit lamp microscope and areas of CoNV were then recorded after PDT. Corneal and iris/ciliary body were evaluated with histopathology examination and immumohistochemitry (SABC) method which was used to measure the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). RESULTS:On 3 days, 1 week and 2 weeks after PDT, the mean percentages of CoNV areas of group Ⅰ were smaller than group Ⅱ(P<0.01). Histopathology disclosed that vessel walls of CoNV were destroyed and thrombus formed. The expression of VEGF in group Ⅰ obviously decreased compared to group Ⅱ(P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Vertporfin-PDT has obvious inhibition on CoNV of rabbit model with no damage of normal and tissue around.
