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Endothelin does not affect experimentally induced corneal neovascularization
R A Eiferman1, J Stagner, M Jumblatt
1Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Kentucky 40292.
Annals of Ophthalmology
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Endothelin did not treat corneal neovascularization in rabbits. The blood vessels in the cornea lacked smooth muscle, making them unresponsive to endothelin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corneal neovascularization is an abnormal growth of blood vessels in the cornea.
- Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor with potential therapeutic applications.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms of corneal neovascularization is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of endothelin in treating experimentally induced corneal neovascularization.
- To determine the cellular composition and responsiveness of neovascular corneal vessels to endothelin.
Main Methods:
- Corneal neovascularization was induced in New Zealand white rabbits.
- Endothelin was administered via topical, subconjunctival, and intraluminal routes at various concentrations.
- Neovascular corneal tissues were examined using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Endothelin administration did not affect corneal neovascularization at any tested concentration or route.
- Electron microscopy revealed that the neovascular vessels were composed solely of endothelial cells and pericytes.
- Contractile smooth muscle cells, typically responsive to vasoconstrictors, were absent in these vessels.
Conclusions:
- Endothelin is ineffective in treating experimental corneal neovascularization.
- The lack of smooth muscle in neovascular corneal vessels explains their unresponsiveness to endothelin.
- This finding suggests that therapeutic strategies targeting corneal neovascularization should consider the specific cellular components of the abnormal vessels.