The Inhibitory Effect of Ticlopidine on VEGF Induced Corneal Neovascularization

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Ticlopidine, which has platelet inhibitory property, is currently used in peripheral arterial obstructive disease, ischemic stroke, and coronary artery disease. It is also known to have antiangiogenesis effect. We studied the effect of ticlopidine on rabbit corneal angiogenesis induced by VEGF. METHODS: In control group, a hydron pellet containing 300ng VEGF and phosphate buffered saline(PBS) was implanted intrastromally in the superior cornea. In treatment group, a hydron pellet containing 300ng VEGF and 375micro gram ticlopidine was implanted as the same manner. At 3, 5, and 7 day after implantation, we examined corneas under the microscope and estimated the angiogenesis score. RESULTS: At 5 and 7 day after implantation, ticlopidine-treated group had mean angiogenesis score of 27.9 and 49.1(p=0.014, independent t-test), while control group scored 13.0 and 25.3(p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In a rabbit corneal pocket assay, ticlopidine appears to have inhibitory effect on VEGF-induced corneal angiogenesis.