The inhibitory effect of Itraconazole on Corneal neovascularization in Rabbits

Purpose To evaluate the inhibitory effect of itraconazole on corneal neovascularization in rabbits. Methods Corneal neovascularization was induced in 36 eyes of 18 rabbits by suture placement in the corneal stroma. Seven days after suture placement, all rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups and were treated four times daily with balanced salt solution (Group 1, 4 rabbits), topical 0.5% itraconazole (5 mg/mL , Group 2, 4 rabbits), topical 1% itraconazole (10 smg/mL , Group 3, 6 rabbits), and topical 2% itraconazole (20 mg/mL , Group 4, 4 rabbits). After one week, the surface area of corneal neovascularization was assessed on the digital photographs. In the corneal specimens, the concentration of VEGF A (vascular endothelial growth factor), VEGF R2, and PLGF (placental growth factor) mRNAs was measured by RT‐PCR, and the concentration of ERK, p‐ERK, Flk, and p‐Flk was measured by Western Blotting. Results The surface area of induced corneal neovascularization was significantly smaller in Groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to the control group on day 14 (p < 0.05). RT‐PCR analysis showed that the mean concentration of VEGF and PLGF in Groups 2, 3, and 4 was significantly lower than that in the control group after 7 days of treatment. Western Blotting analysis showed that the mean concentration of p‐ERK, Flk, and p‐Flk in Group 3 was significantly lower than that in the control group after 7 days of treatment. Conclusions Topical itraconazole application was useful for effective inhibition of experimental corneal neovascularization.