Topically Administered Gold Nanoparticles Inhibit Experimental Corneal Neovascularization in Mice

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effects and mechanism of topically administered gold nanoparticles (AuNP) in a mouse model of corneal neovascularization. METHODS: Inflammatory corneal neovascularization was induced by alkali burns, and the corneas were treated with topical AuNPs. After 1 week, the area of corneal neovascularization was measured using image analysis. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) were evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: The area of corneal neovascularization was significantly reduced by 39.8% in the AuNP group compared with the control group (P = 0.002). Corneal vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 level was higher in the control group than in the AuNP-treated group (P = 0.029). AuNP treatment similarly inhibited burn-induced phosphorylation of ERK (P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Topical administration of AuNPs significantly reduced development of inflammatory corneal neovascularization by inhibiting the ERK pathway.