Abstract
Purpose. To investigate the effect of focal X-ray irradiation on experimental corneal angiogenesis in the rabbit. Methods. A gelatin hydrogel sheet impregnated with basic fibroblast growth factor was implanted into the corneal stroma of rabbits; this induced corneal angiogenesis. After the first sign of corneal angiogenesis was noted, the corneal region was irradiated with a dose of 10 Gy or 20 Gy. The control rabbits received no irradiation. The eyes were examined by slitlamp biomicroscopy and photographed, over a period of 28 days. The maximum length and total surface area of cor-neal angiogenesis were quantified by computerized image analysis. Results. Corneal angiogenesis was noted on day 3 follow-ing implantation of the hydrogel sheet. In the rabbits irradi-ated with 10 Gy, the maximum length and total surface area of corneal angiogenesis were both significantly lower on day 4 and 7 following irradiation, compared to the respective measurement in the controls. In the rabbits irradiated with 20 Gy, the maximum length and total surface area of cor-neal angiogenesis were significantly lower between days 4 and 21, and between days 4 and 14, respectively, compared to the respective measurement in the controls. Conclusions. Focal X-ray irradiation to the corneal region suppressed corneal angiogenesis in a dose-dependent man-ner. Focal X-ray irradiation may be beneficial in treating ocular angiogenesis.
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