Intracorneal bovine albumin: an immunologic model of corneal angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND

We characterized the neovascularization that follows the intracorneal injection of bovine albumin (BA) in rabbits as a model of corneal angiogenesis.

METHODS

New Zealand white rabbits received intracorneal injections of phosphate-buffered saline with and without various amounts of BA. The rabbits were co-sensitized or pre-sensitized by intramuscular BA or were not sensitized. The corneal vascular response was quantified by ranking photographs taken periodically after the injection.

RESULTS

In pre-sensitized animals, blood vessels were apparent within 4 days and reached maximum intensity 14 days after the intracorneal injection. Corneas also vascularized in non-sensitized rabbits, but a larger dose (> 0.2 mg BA) was required than in pre-sensitized animals (> 0.02 mg BA). Vascularization began later in non-sensitized animals and was less extensive than in pre-sensitized animals.

CONCLUSION

The intracorneal injection of BA is a reproducible model of corneal angiogenesis in rabbits and should allow the involved immunological mechanisms to be elucidated.