The effect of infliximab on corneal neovascularization in rabbits

Abstract Purpose To determine the efficacy of topical application of infliximab (TNF‐α monoclonal antibody) for the treatment of corneal neovascularization in the rabbit model. Methods With the subject of 12 rabbits (24 eyes), the cornea stroma was sutured to induce corneal neovascularization. 1 week after suture,the corneal neovascularization was confirmed, after which the subjects were divided into 4 groups of 3 rabbits, and the control group was applied sterilized balanced salt solution, and the experiment group was treated with infliximab eye drop of varying concentrations of 1mg/ml, 2mg/ml, 4mg/ml for twice a day for a week. For each group, the area of corneal neovascularization at day 3 and day 7 were measured and analyzed. At day 7, all eyes were extracted to compare the TNF‐α mRNA concentration by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT‐PCR) and the VEGF activity of corneal neovascular tissue was observed by fluorescence immunostain. Results The area of corneal neovascularization on day 7 was significantly reduced in all three groups treated with 1mg/ml, 2mg/ml, and 4mg/ml compared to the control group (p=0.043, p=0.027, p=0.01). On day 7 of the treatment, TNF‐α mRNA was significantly reduced in all three groups treated with 1mg/ml, 2mg/ml, and 4mg/ml compared to the control group(p=0.038, p=0.031, p=0.022). Also, in the fluorescence immunostain, the reduced expression of VEGF was confirmed in all three groups compared to the control group. Conclusion The application of Infliximab is expected to effectively inhibit the corneal neovascularization, and further studies for clinical application shall be necessary.