The Expression of MMP_2,VEGF in Inflammation -associated Corneal Neovascularization and Relational Study

Objective To study the expression of MMP2 and VEGF in inflammation associated corneal neovascularization and the correlation between the expression and inflammation. Methods Corneal neovascularization was induced by silver nitrate Cauterizing the surface of cornea, Slit - lamp biomicroscopy revealed a gradual development of corneal neovascularization. Animals were grouped and sacrificed at 24h,4d,7d, 10d,21d after CNV respectively. The corneas were enucleated by histopathological examination , PMNs were counted and statistical conclusions were given; the expression of MMP2, VEGF was detected by immuno-histochemistry. Results The histopathological study showed the number of PMNs were 0. 500 ±0. 629 in the untreated corneal group. The number of PMNs in CNV24h group,CNV4d group, CNV7d group, CNV10d group, CNV21d group were 14. 200 ±1. 723,19. 200 ±2. 401, 28.700±1.632, 15.100 ±2. 097, 0. 700 ±0. 816 respectively. In CNV7d group, PMN increased superlatively and began to decrease 7d after . Immunochemistry demonstrated: the positive expression of MMP2 in CNV progressed gradually, and involved the entire cornea 10 days post-treatment. After 10 days the expression decreased following the decreaseof inflammatory cells, 20 days post -treatment the positive expression was not shown. The positive expression of VEGF was paralleled by the expression of MMP2, but expressed weaker than the latter. Conclusions In inflammation -associated corneal neovascularization, expression of MMP2, VEGF progressed and paralleled by the corneal inflammatory reaction.