Inhibitory effects of 90Sr/90Y β-irradiation on alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of 90Sr-90Y β-irradiation in a rat model of alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV). Alkali burn-induced CNV was induced in the right eyes of 30 female Wistar rats, which were randomly divided into the following three groups (n=10/group): i) The alkali burn control group, which received a balanced salt solution treatment; ii) group 1, which received treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors; and iii) group 2, which received 90Sr-90Y β-irradiation treatment. A further 10 female Wistar rats comprised a blank control group and received only balanced salt solution. Digital photographs of the corneas were acquired and the area of NV was calculated. In addition, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1 and VEGFR-2 in alkali-burned rat corneas were determined using western blot analysis. The results suggested that the number of new vessels and the area of CNV were significantly decreased in groups 1 and 2, as compared with the alkali burn group at each time point (P<0.05). In addition, the number of inflammatory cells and the degree of edema were decreased in groups 1 and 2, as compared with the alkali burn group, with group 2 exhibiting the most marked reduction. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of MMP-9, VEGF, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 were significantly decreased in groups 1 and 2, as compared with the alkali burn control group, with group 2 exhibiting the most significant reduction (P<0.05). The results of the present study suggested that 90Sr-90Y β-irradiation and angiogenesis inhibitor treatments were able to inhibit alkali burn-induced CNV, although 90Sr-90Y β-irradiation may be more effective.