Inhibition of corneal neovascularization by genetic ablation of CCR2

Purpose. To determine if genetic ablation of the chemokine receptor CCR2 (involved in leukocyte and endothelial chemotaxis) inhibits the development of corneal neovascularization. Methods. Wild-type C57BL/6J mice, as well as species-specific counterparts with targeted homozygous disruption of the CCR2. underwent chemical and mechanical denudation of corneal and limbal epithelium. Corneas were harvested 2 weeks after injury. Neovascularization was quantified by CD31 immunostaining. Results. The mean percentages of neovascularized corneal area in control mice and CCR2-deficient mice 2 weeks after denudation were 58.3% and 38.8% (P = 0.047), respectively. Conclusions. Development of corneal neovascularization is inhibited in CCR2-deficient mice.