Objective To investigate the efficacy of inhibition on induced by corneal neovascularization induced by with
subconjunctival
injection of elemene, in order to provide experimental evidence for its clinical application. Methods Corneal neovascularization model was established by putting the filter paper with the size of 3mm in diameter were immerse in 0.5mol·L -1 NaOH solution on the rabbit cornea for 30 seconds. The experimental animals were divided into two groups. Group Ⅰ: daily subconjuctival
injection of elemene,2.5 mg for 5 days in the right eye. One week later,another course of
subconjunctival injection of elemene was repeated for 5 days. Group Ⅱ:subconjunctival injection of 5-FU 12.5mg in the left eye,the treatment was conducted the same as the right eye. At the same time,no-medication group was compared.Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and photography of the cornea were weekly for 7 weeks. The total neovascularization area on the cornea was calculated by imaging analysis system of the corneal photos. Another group of 10 rabbits and 10 rats was used for evaluating the toxicity effects of subconjunctival injection of elemene and 5-FU in the right and left eyes respectively. Results Mild photophobia and conjunctiva congestion associated with punctuates erosion of corneal epithelium were noted in 20%～30% of rabbits,both in elemene and 5-FU eye and recovered within few days. The neovascularization area was found to be 31.88mm 2,49.84mm 2 and 65.20mm 2, in the elemene-treated eyes and 5-FU treated eyes and compared group ,the difference was highly significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that both of elemene and 5-FU are effective in the inhibition of corneal neovacularization induced by alkaline burn,however,the former appears to be more effective than the later. In addition,elemene is well tolerated with only few transient mild side effects.