ADP-ribosylation factor as a novel target for corneal neovascularization regression

PURPOSE To evaluate the roles of ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) in alkali-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS CNV was induced by alkali injury and compared in ARF1 inhibitor- or vehicle-treated mice 3 weeks after injury. Angiogenic and apoptosis factor expression in corneas after injury was quantified with reverse-transcription PCR. Human retinal endothelial cell apoptosis induced by ARF1 inhibitor was detected with flow cytometry. RESULTS The mRNA expression of ARF1 was augmented in the corneas after alkali injury. Compared with vehicle-treated mice, ARF1 inhibitor-treated mice exhibited impaired CNV 3 weeks after injury, as evidenced by corneal whole mount CD31-staining. Concomitantly, the enhancement of intraocular vascular endothelial growth factor expression was reduced in ARF1 inhibitor-treated mice compared to control mice after injury. Moreover, local administration of the ARF1 inhibitor after alkali injury enhanced intraocular caspase-3 expression. ARF1 inhibitor treatment can significantly induce human retinal endothelial cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS The ARF1 inhibitor can induce the regression of alkali-induced CNV through increased endothelial cell apoptosis and downregulated intracorneal VEGF expression. ARF1 is an effective intervention target for CNV.