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Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

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01-10-2009 | Inflammatory Disorders

Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody-induced regression of corneal neovascularization and inflammation in a rabbit model of herpetic stromal keratitis

Authors: Mario Saravia, Gustavo Zapata, Paula Ferraiolo, Lourdes Racca, Alejandro Berra

Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | Issue 10/2009

Abstract

Background

To determine the efficacy of bevacizumab (Avastin), an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, administrated via subconjunctival injection as a corneal anti-angiogenic treatment.

Methods

Right corneas of rabbits were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1, KOS strain. On day 13 post-infection (p.i.), animals were treated subconjunctivally (sc) with a single 10-μl dose (25 μg/μl) of bevacizumab (group A) or with the same volume of an isotype monoclonal antibody, as negative control (group B). All animals were observed clinically on days 2, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 p.i., and two corneas each day were obtained for histological assessment and viral titration.

Results

Viral replication was observed no longer than 5 days after infection. By day 7 a dense neutrophil invasion of the cornea was detected, which significantly increased while herpetic stromal keratitis progressed in severity. Positive outcomes observed following the treatment with bevacizumab, compared to control, included: (1) Total involution of neovascularization, (2) reduction in disease severity, (3) improved corneal translucency, (4) absence of scarring, (5) preservation of corneal thickness, (6) no neutrophil infiltration of the cornea.

Conclusions

Subconjunctival administration of bevacizumab induced involution of new vessels, abolished inflammatory response, and resulted in return of corneal function. Furthermore, bevacizumab is a novel approach for the treatment of herpetic stromal keratitis.

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Title: Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody-induced regression of corneal neovascularization and inflammation in a rabbit model of herpetic stromal keratitis
Authors: Mario Saravia
Gustavo Zapata
Paula Ferraiolo
Lourdes Racca
Alejandro Berra
Publication date: 01-10-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology / Issue 10/2009
Print ISSN: 0721-832X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-702X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-009-1101-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody-induced regression of corneal neovascularization and inflammation in a rabbit model of herpetic stromal keratitis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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