Neovascular growth in an experimental alkali corneal burn model

Abstract

ObjectiveTo analyze the length and area of corneal surface occupied by vessels, and their location in an experimental model of alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization. MethodsAn injury to the central cornea of the right eye in 91 Sprague-Dawley rats was induced using a silver nitrate pencil. The rats were divided into seven groups that were sacrificed 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 days post-injury, and then perfused with a mixture of Chinese ink in PBS (phosphate buffer saline). Corneas were flat-mounted processed and divided into four quadrants. Corneal neovascular growth parameters (length and area) and the location of these vessels were performed blind. The results were statistically analyzed. ResultsNeovascular growth was observed from day 2, reaching its maximum peak in length and area on the 12th day post-injury. A slight reduction in corneal neovascularization was observed after this day. The vessels were initially located in the middle third of the stroma and tended to be observed in the anterior third during the course of the experiment. ConclusionsNeovascularisation was observed on day 2 post-injury in all sectors of corneal surface. Neovascular growth was uniform during the experiment. Neovessels were located in the middle and anterior third of the cornea.