[Immunohistochemical localization of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor through corneal neovascularization in...

Neovascularization on the center of rabbit cornea was induced by 5N.NaOH alkali burns. We studied the change in localization of acidic fibroblast growth factor (a-FGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) through corneal neovascularization with immunohistochemistry, using eyes which we enucleated on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day. Moreover, by co-cultivation of rabbit corneal stromal cells and adrenal cortical vascular endothelium of bovine, a capillary-like code was induced, in which we also studied the localization of a-FGF and b-FGF on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day. On the 14th day after the alkali burn we recognized intrastromal neovascularization and positive staining of a-FGF and b-FGF around it. Strong staining of a-FGF was observed in goblet cells through the experimental period. In control eyes we recognized positive reaction of a-FGF in corneal and conjunctival epithelium. In co-cultured cells, we recognized positive staining of both a-FGF and b-FGF around the capillary-like code which was induced among the corneal stromal cells.