Thalidomide prevents Corneal Angiogenesis in an Alkali Burn model of Rabbit Corneal Neovascularization

Objectives: To determine if Thalidomide has a similar effect in an alkali burn model of corneal neovascularization, we evaluated the effect of Thalidomide on corneal angiogenesis after alkali corneal burns in rabbits. Methods: Twelve rabbits received alkali burns to one cornea. Post injury, four rabbits received oral Thalidomide, 200 mg/kg/day and eight rabbits received placebo (powdered sugar) for thirty days. Assessments were made to quantitate the degree of corneal neovascularization (NV), the number of clock hours (CH) of limbus involved in NV, the longest NV pedicle (NVP) length and the duration of time required for NV to develop. Results: Thalidomide clearly decreased the area (A) of total NV in the test group (p<0.003), the number of CH involved with NV (p<0.006) and the longest NVP length (P<0.010). There was no significant difference in the rate of development of initial NV between the test and the control groups (p<0.418). Conclusions: These findings indicate that Thalidomide is an effective inhibitor of corneal angiogenesis in an alkali burn induced corneal neovascularization model in rabbits. Clinical Relevance: Thalidomide might be used as a modulator of corneal angiogenesis following corneal alkali burns, to improve the outcome of corneal transplants (JPMA 53:183; 2003).