The expression of nuclear factor κB in inflammation-induced rat corneal neovascularization

Purpose: To investigate the involvement of the nuclear-transfactor kappa B (NF-kappa B) in the rat model of inflammation-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV). Methods: The CNV model in Sprague-Dawley rats was induced by alkaline cauterization of the central cornea. The corneas were examined by a slit lamp microscope. NF-kappa B was assayed by Western blot. Vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. VEGF mRNA levels were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Morphologically, the CNV was shown on the second day after cautery. In corneas after cautery, NF-kappa B protein increased 6 hours after cautery, peaked 4 days after cautery, and decreased to near baseline by day 14. VEGF protein and mRNA increased gradually in the early stage after cautery, reached the highest level on the fourth day, and then decreased to near baseline slowly after 7 days. Conclusions: The activated NF-kappa B was up-regulated in the early stage of CNV of rat induced by cauterization, which suggests it may participate in the pathogenesis of wound healing, inflammation, and neovascularization processes in the cornea.