Inhibition of corneal neovascularization by genetic ablation of CCR2.

PURPOSE: To determine if genetic ablation of the chemokine receptor CCR2 (involved in leukocyte and endothelial chemotaxis) inhibits the development of corneal neovascularization.

METHODS

Wild-type C57BL/6J mice, as well as species-specific counterparts with targeted homozygous disruption of the CCR2, underwent chemical and mechanical denudation of corneal and limbal epithelium. Corneas were harvested 2 weeks after injury. Neovascularization was quantified by CD31 immunostaining.

RESULTS

The mean percentages of neovascularized corneal area in control mice and CCR2-deficient mice 2 weeks after denudation were 58.3% and 38.8% (P = 0.047), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of corneal neovascularization is inhibited in CCR2-deficient mice.