Abstract
Purpose. Angiogenesis plays important roles in physiological states, and participates in many pathological conditions. In intraocular angiogenesis, uncontrolled corneal angiogenesis is associated with scar formation, lipid deposition, immune rejection of corneal grafts, and subsequent blindness. Convincing data show that matrix metalloproteases are involved in angiogenesis process. However, involvement of cysteine proteases such as calpains in angiogenesis process is obscure. Thus, the purpose of this experiment was to study involvement of cysteine protease in corneal angiogenesis by using a cysteine protease inhibitor. Methods. Sustained-release polymers containing bFGF were implanted into guinea pig cornea to induce angiogenesis. For treatment of corneal angiogenesis, polymers containing cysteine protease inhibitor were also implanted into cornea. Corneas were observed using the slit lamp for 9 days after polymer implantation. Soluble and insoluble proteins were obtained by centrifugation after measurement of wet weight. SOS-PAGE was then performed. Results. Implantation of polymers containing bFGF into corneas induced angiogenesis. Wet weight, soluble protein, insoluble protein and albumin in cornea with bFGF-induced angiogenesis were markedly increased. Cysteine protease inhibitor decreased changes due to bFGF. Conclusions. These results suggest involvement of cysteine protease in angiogenesis process in the guinea pig cornea.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | S546 |
| Journal | Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - Feb 15 1996 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ophthalmology
- Sensory Systems
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience