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Recombinant human epidermal growth factor and corneal neovascularization
E Nezu1, Y Ohashi, S Kinoshita
1Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical School, Japan.
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) at doses below 1 microgram did not induce corneal neovascularization. However, hEGF promoted new vessel formation when combined with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), suggesting a synergistic effect for corneal angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a pathological process that can impair vision.
- Understanding factors that promote or inhibit CNV is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
- Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) is being explored for clinical applications, necessitating an evaluation of its angiogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) to induce corneal neovascularization (CNV).
- To determine the threshold dose of hEGF required for inducing CNV.
- To explore the interaction between hEGF and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in promoting CNV.
Main Methods:
- Slow-release pellets containing varying doses of hEGF (250 ng, 500 ng, 1 microgram) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) were implanted into rabbit corneal stroma.
- Corneas were examined using slitlamp biomicroscopy over a 3-week period to assess neovascularization.
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was used as a positive control for inducing CNV, and its effect in conjunction with hEGF was also studied.
Main Results:
- hEGF doses below 1 microgram per pellet did not induce significant corneal neovascularization.
- Implantation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) pellets led to rapid corneal neovascularization within 10 days.
- hEGF pellets induced less severe neovascularization compared to bFGF, particularly when co-administered or when bFGF acted as a sprouting signal.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) alone, at doses less than 1 microgram, is insufficient to initiate corneal angiogenesis.
- hEGF can promote new vessel formation in the cornea when the limbal vasculature is activated by a sprouting signal, such as trace amounts of bFGF.
- These findings suggest that hEGF may play a supportive role in corneal neovascularization rather than acting as a primary initiator, with potential implications for future clinical applications.