Immunohistochemical localization of vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha, and transforming growth factor beta(1) in human corneas with neovascularization

Purpose. To analyze presence and distribution of vascular endothelial growt h factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)alpha, and TGF beta(1) in human corneas with neovascularization due to different corneal diseases. Me thods. Indirect immunohistochemistry for VEGF, TGF alpha, and TGF beta(1) w as performed on paraffin-embedded corneas obtained by keratoplasty. Corneas from each of the four main groups of histopathologic diagnoses associated with corneal neovascularization were analyzed (scarring after keratitis, gr aft rejection/insufficiency, acute necrotizing keratitis, scarring after me chanical/chemical injury). Subclassification of inflammatory infiltrates wa s done using immunohistochemistry for CD3 (T-lymphocytes) and CD68 (macroph ages). Results. The analyzed angiogenic factors were detectable in corneas from all four histopathologic groups in a similar distribution; capillary e ndothelial cells, stromal and intravascular inflammatory cells (T-lymphocyt es, macrophages), and basal corneal epithelial cells stained positive for t he tested angiogenic factors. Conclusion. The angiogenic factors VEGF, TGF alpha, and TGF beta(1) are detectable in human corneas with neovascularizat ion. Their distribution is quite uniform in different corneal diseases, res ulting in corneal angiogenesis. An antiangiogenic therapy inhibiting cornea l neovascularization by antagonizing angiogenic factors would have to count eract several angiogenic factors.