[Inhibition of rat corneal neovascularization by inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects and mechanism of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) on inhibiting corneal neovascularization.

METHODS

The corneal neovascularization was induced by alkali burn in 48 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, 12 rats in each group. The PDTC eye drops with different concentrations were applied four times daily during days 0 - 28 in each group: 0.5 mg/ml in group A, 1 mg/ml in group B, 2 mg/ml in group C and 0.9% sodium chloride in group D (control). The development of corneal neovascularization and corneal opacity were observed daily with slit lamp. Corneas were excised at day 4 and 28 (six eyes were selected randomly in each group per time) for histopathological examinations. The expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the cornea was examined by Western Blot.

RESULTS

The corneal neovascularization area in groups B and C were significantly smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The corneal opacification and inflammation level in groups B and C were also lower than that in the control group. No significant difference was found in corneal neovascularization areas and corneal opacification levels between group A and group D (P > 0.05). The activity of NF-kappaB in groups B and C was significantly lower than that of group D. No significant difference in NF-kappaB could be detected between group A and group D.

CONCLUSION

Topical application of PDTC has significant effects on the inhibition of activation of NF-kappaB and cornea neovascularization.