AIM: To compare the inhibitory effects of PEDF and Avastin on alkali-induced corneal neovascularization(CNV)of rat.

METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 SD rats were chemically cauterized by applying a 3mm-diameter filter paper soaked 1mol/L NaOH solution at the central cornea for 40 seconds. All animals were randomly assigned to five groups: group A, the PEDF drops was used the day after cauterization; group B, the PEDF drops was used the third day after cauterization; group C, the Avastin drops was used the day after cauterization; group D, the Avastin drops was used the third day after cauterization; group E, normal saline solution drops was used the day after cauterization(control group). All the eye drops were applied 10μL every time and 4 times per day. The growth of CNV was observed by slit lamp microscope and the area of CNV was calculated. Expression of VEGF and CD31 was detected by immunohistochemistry on the twelfth day after experiment.

RESULTS: On the twelfth day, the area of CNV in group A was smaller than that of group B, C(P<0.01). There was no significant difference in terms of CNV areas between group B and D(P=0.215)and between group C and D(P=0.058). Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of VEGF and CD31 was little in group A and massive in group E. In group B, C and D, expression of VEGF and CD31 was more than that of group A.

CONCLUSION: Topical application of PEDF and Avastin can inhibit alkali-induced CNV, moreover PEDF is superior to Avastin if applied early after cauterization.