Suppression of Inflammatory Corneal Lymphangiogenesis by Application of Topical Corticosteroids

Authors:
  • DSDaniel R. Saban
    Daniel R. Saban
  • FBFelix Bock
    Felix Bock
  • BRBirgit Regenfuss
    Birgit Regenfuss
  • JOJasmine Onderka
    Jasmine Onderka
  • SMSharmila Masli
    Sharmila Masli
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Abstract
The healthy cornea is devoid of both blood and lymphatic vessels and actively maintains its avascularity.1-3 However, a variety of inflammatory conditions can lead to a breakdown of this “angiogenic privilege.” This leads to the outgrowth of blood as well as lymphatic vessels from the limbus into the avascular cornea, reducing transparency and visual acuity.4-6 Furthermore, corneal neovascularization is also the most important risk factor for graft rejection after corneal transplantation; in particular, lymphangiogenesis has been shown to be essential in mediating immune reactions after corneal grafting.4,7-9 By use of the murine model of corneal transplantation, it has recently been shown that inhibition of corneal neovascularization after low- and high-risk corneal transplantation promotes graft survival.10-13 Thus, antiangiogenic therapy is a very reasonable approach for reducing corneal complications secondary to inflammation and also for preventing immune rejections after corneal transplantation.

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