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Transplantation of PEDF-transfected pigment epithelial cells inhibits corneal neovascularization in a rabbit model

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Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of recombinant pigment epithelium-derived factor (rPEDF), secreted by ARPE-19 cells transfected with the human PEDF gene and transplanted subconjunctivally in normal and in rabbits in which corneal neovascularization was elicited by a chemical burn.

Methods

Twenty grey Chinchilla Bastard rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups; neovascularization was induced in groups A, B, and C by alkali cauterization. Seven days later, group A received no cell implantation, non-transfected ARPE-19 cells were implanted subconjunctivally in group B, and PEDF-transfected ARPE-19 cells were implanted subconjunctivally in groups C and D (non-cauterized). In-vivo rPEDF secretion was analyzed by immunoblotting, and ELISA of extracts of conjunctival tissue samples taken at different time points. Digital photographs acquired on days 7, 14, and 21 after cauterization were evaluated for lead vessel length, vascular invasion area, and overall neovascularization rate.

Results

At days 14 and 21 after cauterization, significant differences were observed between groups A, B, and C in lead vessel length (day 21: 5.91 ± 0.45, 5.11 ± 1.22, 3.79 ± 0.59 mm, repectively), vascular invasion area (day 21: 35.5 ± 8.65, 34.86 ± 4.92, 19.2 ± 5.03 mm2 respectively), and rate of corneal neovascularization. Compared to controls, neovascularization was reduced by 37.5 % on day 14 and 47 % on day 21. Analysis of conjunctival tissue extracts showed that rPEDF was secreted by the transplanted PEDF-transfected cells.

Conclusion

Subconjunctivally transplanted, PEDF-transfected ARPE-19 cells secrete rPEDF, which inhibits the corneal neovascularization elicited by alkali cauterization.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Claudia Etzkorn and Anna Dobias for their unremitting help in the experiments.

We would furthermore express our gratitude to Prof. N. Sorgente for his help in proof-reading this manuscript and for all the advice he has given us.

Conflict of Interest

All authors certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    David Kuerten, Sandra Johnen, Peter Walter & Gabriele Thumann

  2. IZKF Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Nina Harmening

  3. Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, HUG, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

    George Souteyrand & Gabriele Thumann

  4. UNIGE, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland

    Nina Harmening & Gabriele Thumann

  5. Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Rue Alcide-Jentzer 22, CH-1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland

    Gabriele Thumann

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  1. David Kuerten
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Correspondence to Gabriele Thumann.

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Kuerten, D., Johnen, S., Harmening, N. et al. Transplantation of PEDF-transfected pigment epithelial cells inhibits corneal neovascularization in a rabbit model. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 253, 1061–1069 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-015-2954-x

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