b-FGF Induces Corneal Blood and Lymphatic Vessel Growth in a Spatially Distinct Pattern

Abstract

Purpose To study the spatial variances in ligand expression and angiogenic effect in response to the inflammatory response induced by b-FGF. Methods b-FGF micropellets (80ng) were implanted in the temporal side of the cornea of Balbc/c mice. On days 1, 3, and 7 blood (heme) and lymph-angiogenesis were observed by immunofluorescence staining of corneal flat mounts with LYVE-1 and CD31 to identify lymphatic and blood vessels, respectively. A second group of corneas were harvested for quantitative RT-PCR. Each cornea was divided in two different area defines as (i) pre-pellet area and (ii) opposite-pellet area. Expression of VEGF ligands were evaluated using Real-time PCR in each respective zone. Results Blood vessels grew into the cornea from the pre-pellet area while corneal lymphatic vessels grew from the opposite-pellet area toward the center of the cornea. VEGF-A was upregulated in the pre-pellet while VEGF-D expression was mostly observed in the opposite-pellet area. VEGF-C level increased simultaneously in both areas. Conclusion A single inducing factor, i.e., b-FGF, may simultaneously provoke heme-and lymph-angiogenesis in different locations of the cornea through differential expression of VEGF ligands. This distinctive spatial pattern should be considered while evaluating the corneal predilection for inflammation beyond that which is directly visible by slit lamp examination.