Effect of periocular injection of celecoxib and propranolol on ocular level of vascular endothelial growth factor in a diabetic mouse model.

AIM

To investigate the effects of periocular injection of propranolol and celecoxib on ocular levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a diabetic mouse model.

METHODS

Forty 4-6wk BALB-C male mice weighing 20-25 g were used. The study groups included: non-diabetic control (group 1), diabetic control (group 2), diabetic propranolol (group 3), and diabetic celecoxib (group 4). After induction of type 1 diabetes by streptozotocin, propranolol (10 µg) and celecoxib (200 µg dissolved in carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%) were injected periocularly. The ocular level of VEGF was measured in all the study groups using enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) method.

RESULTS

Ocular VEGF level was significantly increased (1.25 fold) in the diabetic control group when compared to the non-diabetic group one week after induction with streptozotocin (P=0.002). Both periocular propranolol and celecoxib significantly reduced ocular VEGF levels (P=0.047 and P<0.001, respectively). The effect was more pronounced with celecoxib.

CONCLUSION

The periocular administration of propranolol and celecoxib can significantly reduce ocular VEGF levels in a diabetic mouse model.