METHODS  VEGF and VEGF-receptors Flt-1/KDR levels in aqueous humor samples of patient were measured by ELISA. We cultured the Tenon fibroblasts from scarring and non-scarring blebs of post-operative patients, and a proliferation assay was proceeded. The in vivo effect of the antibody was investigated in a rabbit model of trabeculectomy by measuring the intraocular pressure (IOP) and bleb area, and by immunohistological analysis of angiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
RESULTS  VEGF and both VEGF-receptors were significantly increased in the aqueous humor of post-operative glaucoma patients with scarring bleb. The proliferative rates of these fibroblasts in vitro of scarring and non-scarring blebs were similar. The antibody significantly reduced angiogenesis and collagen deposition, and markedly improved glaucoma surgery outcome in rabbits.
CONCLUSIONS  VEGF is up-regulated in aqueous humor of post-operative glaucoma patients with scarring bleb, which suggesting that it plays an important role in the scarring process after filtration surgery. Bevacizumab reduces in vitro fibroblast proliferation and improves in vivo surgical outcome.