A model of angiogenesis in the mouse cornea.

The study of angiogenesis depends on reliable and reproducible models for the stimulation of a neovascular response. The purpose of this research was to develop such a model of angiogenesis in the mouse cornea. Uniformly sized Hydron pellets containing either basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and sucralfate were prepared and implanted into the stroma mouse cornea adjacent to the temporal limbus. Neovascularization of the corneal stroma began on day 3 and was sustained through day 8. The bFGF-induced neovascularization was consistent and dose dependent in C57B1/6, as well as in severe combined immune deficient, beige natural killer cell-deficient, and nude mouse strains. Biomicroscopic and histologic examination of bFGF- and VEGF-induced angiogenesis was notable for the absence of corneal edema or substantial inflammation. This noninflammatory model of corneal neovascularization is especially advantageous because it is reproducible, economical, and facilitates investigation of angiogenesis in various murine tumor models as well as in genetically defined murine strains.