Simulation of corneal neovascularization by inverted diffusion limited aggregation.

PURPOSE: The authors modeled the normally avascular mammalian cornea response to injury by neovascularization. The nature of this process remains obscure, although diffusion mechanisms are thought to be involved.

METHODS

Corneal neovascularization was simulated using fractal stochastic computer models for nonequilibrium diffusion (inverted diffusion limited aggregation) and a stochastic ballistic aggregation.

RESULTS

The inverted diffusion limited aggregation model was found to generate patterns strikingly similar to those observed in pathologic neovascularization of the cornea in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

This result supports the role of random diffusion mechanisms modified by environmental factors, such as the release of angiogenic factors in corneal angiogenesis.