Effect of topical anti-transforming growth factor-beta on corneal stromal haze after photorefractive keratectomy in rabbits.

PURPOSE

To determine the relationship between anti-transforming growth factor-beta (anti-TGF-beta) antibodies and the amount of corneal stromal haze after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

SETTING

Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

METHODS

Nineteen rabbits had bilateral PRK. Dichlorotriazinyl fluorescein was used to stain the exposed stroma; all rabbits were then treated with antibiotic ointment for 4 days. Ten rabbits were randomized to treatment with topical anti-TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3 antibody 50 microg three times a day for 4 days; the others received diluent three times a day for 4 days. Stromal haze was graded weekly for 8 weeks on a 0 to 4+ scale. At the end of the study, all corneas were examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

All treated eyes developed appreciable haze. Seven control rabbits and one antibody-treated rabbit had an epithelial erosion (P = .00001). Antibody-treated rabbits had significantly less haze at 3, 4, and 5 weeks (right eyes) and 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 weeks (left eyes) (P < .05). Histopathology and fluorescence microscopy showed subepithelial collagen deposition consistent with clinical haze.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical anti-TGF-beta antibody reduced stromal haze after PRK in the rabbit model and may be clinically beneficial in humans.