Ad-Ang-1转基因成纤维细胞修饰的再生丝素膜诱导血管形成效应及其分子机制研究

目的研究经腺病毒介导的人血管生成素-1（Ad-Ang-1）转基因细胞修饰的再生丝素膜诱导血管形成活性及其分子机制。方法将Ad-Ang-1腺病毒病毒子感染再生丝素膜上培养的wI-38人胚肺成纤维细胞,通过ELISA法检测再生丝素膜对成纤维细胞目的基因表达的影响,将Ad—Ang-1转基因WI-38细胞修饰的丝素材料进行鸡胚尿囊膜血管形成实验（CAM）和兔角膜层间植入诱导角膜新生血管试验,并用ELISA法检测其对血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（FGF2）、血小板衍化生长因子（PDGF）表达的影响。结果Ad—Ang-1可感染再生丝素膜上培养的成纤维细胞,ELISA法检测结果表明sF组Ad．Ang．1转基因W1．38细胞可以成功表达目的基因（P〈0．05）。CAM实验表明Ad-Ang-l转基因wI-38细胞修饰的再生丝素膜具有促进CAM血管生成的活性,并通过兔角膜层间植入实验进一步证明Ad-Ang-1转基因细胞修饰的丝素材料具有诱导角膜组织血管生成的作用．其机制可能与再生丝素膜对Ad-Ang-l转基因的WI-38成纤维细胞中不仅可以成功表达目的Ang-1,而且还可使与血管生成和组织损伤修复相关的VEGF、FGF2、PDGF基因表达水平明显提高有关。结论Ad-Ang-I转基因细胞修饰的丝素材料具有诱导血管生成的作用,为今后进一步采用转基因技术对生物材料进行修饰或改性、研制出具诱导性的医用生物膜材料创造了条件。     

Two faces of high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) in angiogenesis: bradykinin turns it on and cleaved HK (HKa) turns it off.

High-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) is a plasma protein that possesses multiple physiological functions. Originally identified as a precursor of bradykinin, a bioactive peptide that regulates many cardiovascular processes, it is now recognized that HK plays important roles in fibrinolysis, thrombosis, and inflammation. HK binds to endothelial cells where it can be cleaved by plasma kallikrein to release bradykinin (BK). The remaining portion of the molecule, cleaved HK, is designated cleaved high-molecular-weight kininogen or HKa. While BK has been intensively studied, the physiological implication of the generation of HKa is not clear. Recent studies have revealed that HKa inhibits angiogenesis while BK promotes angiogenesis. These findings represent novel functions of the kallikrein-kinin system that have not yet been fully appreciated. In this review, we will briefly discuss the recent progress in the studies of the molecular mechanisms that mediate the antiangiogenic effect of HKa and the proangiogenic activity of BK.     

Perillyl alcohol is an angiogenesis inhibitor

Aberrant angiogenesis is essential for the progression of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Thus, antiangiogenic therapy is one of the most promising approaches to control cancer. In the present work, we examined the ability of perillyl alcohol (POH), a dietary monoterpene with well-established tumor chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity, to interfere with the process of angiogenesis. POH remarkably prevented new blood vessel growth in the in vivo chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay and proved to be effective in inhibiting the morphogenic differentiation of cultured endothelial cells into capillary-like networks both in collagen gel and Matrigel models. In addition, POH reduced the cell number in a proliferation assay and induced apoptosis of endothelial cells as indicated by the POH-mediated increase of caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation. Consistent with the observed antisurvival effect, POH treatment resulted in a significant inhibition of Akt phosphorylation in endothelial cells. Finally, POH was able to differentially modulate the release of two important angiogenic regulators: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2). POH decreased the release of VEGF from cancer cells but stimulated the expression of Ang2 by endothelial cells, indicating that it might suppress neovascularization and induce vessel regression. Overall, these data underscore the antiangiogenic potential of POH and suggest that POH, in addition to its anticancer activity, may be an effective agent in the treatment of angiogenesis-dependent diseases.     

Antiangiogenic activity of a neutralizing human single-chain antibody fragment against fibroblast growth factor receptor 1

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) transduces proangiogenic and proliferative signals in human cancers. Thus, FGFR-1 may represent a target for the development of antiangiogenic/antineoplastic therapies. We screened a human single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody phage display library against the extracellular domain of the FGFR-1-IIIc isoform that harbors the FGF binding site. Several phages were isolated and tested for specificity and sensitivity, and the most promising antibody fragment RR-C2 was characterized for its biochemical and biological properties. ScFv RR-C2 specifically recognizes FGFR-1α and FGFR-1β isoforms in ELISA, Western blotting, and surface plasmon resonance analysis with a K(d) value of 300 and 144 nmol/L for the 2 receptor isoforms, respectively. The antibody fragment also recognizes FGFR-1 when the receptor is exposed on the cell surface, thus preventing the formation of the ternary complex among FGFR-1, its ligand FGF2, and cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Accordingly, scFv RR-C2 specifically inhibits FGF2-mediated mitogenic activity in endothelial cells of human, bovine, and murine origin in a nanomolar range of concentrations. Also, the antibody fragment prevents FGF2-triggered sprouting of both human umbilical vein endothelial cell spheroids and of murine endothelium from aortic rings. Finally, the antibody fragment hampers the angiogenic activity exerted both by FGF2 in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay and by S115 mouse mammary tumor cells in the Matrigel plug assay. Taken together, the data show that scFv RR-C2 recognizes and neutralizes FGFR-1 activity in different animal species, including humans, thus representing a novel tool for the development of antiangiogenic/antineoplastic therapies.     

Antiangiogenic effect of deguelin on choroidal neovascularization

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) leads to severe vision loss in patients of age-related macular degeneration. Previously, we have demonstrated that deguelin, isolated from plants in the Mundulea sericea family, is a chemopreventive agent. This study evaluates the antiangiogenic effect of deguelin on CNV. The toxicity of deguelin was evaluated through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as well as histological examination and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining in the deguelin-injected retina. Antiangiogenic activity of deguelin was evaluated by in vitro tube formation assay of HUVECs and in vivo angiogenesis of chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). In C57BL/6 mice with laser-induced CNV, deguelin or phosphate-buffered saline was injected intravitreously. CNV lesions were examined by fluorescence angiography and vessel counting in cross-sections. Deguelin showed no effect on cell viability of HUVECs and no retinal toxicity in a concentration range of 0.01 to 1 microM. Deguelin effectively inhibited in vitro tube formation of HUVECs and in vivo angiogenesis of CAM. Interestingly, deguelin significantly reduced CNV and its leakage in mouse model of laser photocoagulation-induced CNV. Our data suggests that deguelin is a potent inhibitor of CNV and may be applied in the treatment of other vasoproliferative retinopathies such as retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy.     

Tumor VEGF:VEGFR2 autocrine feed-forward loop triggers angiogenesis in lung cancer

The molecular mechanisms that control the balance between antiangiogenic and proangiogenic factors and initiate the angiogenic switch in tumors remain poorly defined. By combining chemical genetics with multimodal imaging, we have identified an autocrine feed-forward loop in tumor cells in which tumor-derived VEGF stimulates VEGF production via VEGFR2-dependent activation of mTOR, substantially amplifying the initial proangiogenic signal. Disruption of this feed-forward loop by chemical perturbation or knockdown of VEGFR2 in tumor cells dramatically inhibited production of VEGF in vitro and in vivo. This disruption was sufficient to prevent tumor growth in vivo. In patients with lung cancer, we found that this VEGF:VEGFR2 feed-forward loop was active, as the level of VEGF/VEGFR2 binding in tumor cells was highly correlated to tumor angiogenesis. We further demonstrated that inhibition of tumor cell VEGFR2 induces feedback activation of the IRS/MAPK signaling cascade. Most strikingly, combined pharmacological inhibition of VEGFR2 (ZD6474) and MEK (PD0325901) in tumor cells resulted in dramatic tumor shrinkage, whereas monotherapy only modestly slowed tumor growth. Thus, a tumor cell-autonomous VEGF:VEGFR2 feed-forward loop provides signal amplification required for the establishment of fully angiogenic tumors in lung cancer. Interrupting this feed-forward loop switches tumor cells from an angiogenic to a proliferative phenotype that sensitizes tumor cells to MAPK inhibition.     

Production, characterization and use of monoclonal antibodies against the major extracellular human cysteine proteinase inhibitors cystatin C and kininogen

Murine monoclonal antibodies against the major cysteine proteinase inhibitors of human biological fluids, cystatin C and kininogen, were produced. The cystatin C antibody, HCC3, with a Ka of 2 x 10(7) l/mol, increased the inhibition of papain by cystatin C and was suitable for use in immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and in the construction of a sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay for quantification of cystatin C. It recognized not only free cystatin C but also cystatin C in complexes with cysteine proteinases. The kininogen antibody, HK4, was directed against the third, cysteine proteinase inhibitory domain of the heavy chain of kininogen (Ka = 1 X 10(7) l/mol), but did not influence the papain inhibitory activity of kininogen. It reacted with free kininogen as well as kininogen in complex with cysteine proteinases. Both antibodies could be used for the production of specific immunosorbents.     

Kallistatin,a novel anti-angiogenesis agent,inhibits angiogenesis via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway

Development of a novel angiogenesis inhibitor will be essential for the improvement of therapeutics against cancer. Kallistatin had been recognized as an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor. Here, we demonstrated kallistatin's strong anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis activity stimulated by breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and its mechanism of action in vitro. The anti-angiogenesis effect in vivo was evaluated by chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) neovascularisation. Because of the underlying molecular mechanism of its anti-angiogenesis activity remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined whether the NF-κB signaling pathway was involved in the anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis activity of kallistatin. Kallistatin significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced nuclear factor-κB activation in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of kallistatin inhibited TNF-α induced IκBα degradation; phosphorylation of IκBα kinase (IKK), nuclear factor-κB-p65 protein; and nuclear translocation of p65/50. Meanwhile, we investigated the effects of kallistatin on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other angiogenesis-related gene in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that kallistatin decreased the expression of VEGF and some angiogenesis-related genes, which promoted angiogenesis in cancer. Taken together, we suggested that kallistatin would inhibit tumor angiogenesis via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway and finally abrogate NF-κB-dependent gene expression. All the results revealed that kallistatin would have potential as a novel.     

SZ-21拮抗血管生成的初步研究

本研究的目的是从SZ-1，-2，-21，-51，-65及262(GPⅡb/Ⅲa McAb)中筛选出与ECV304（人脐静脉内皮细胞株）起反应的单抗，研究其抗血管生成的能力。用流式细胞仪筛选与ECV304起反应的单抗，用酶标法检测反应的单抗对ECV304、肺癌细胞株A549粘附、迁移的作用，采用鸡绒毛尿囊膜（CAM）血管生成分析法观察其体外抗血管生成作用，以Annexin Ⅴ TITC盒检测单抗对A549细胞的凋亡作用。结果表明：筛选出了与ECV304起反应的SZ-21，其对ECV304与基质纤连蛋白（Fn）、胶原蛋白（Col）Ⅳ间粘附、迁移均有抑制作用，鸡绒毛尿囊膜经TNF-α诱导血管生成后SZ-21可抑制其新生。进一步研究发现SZ-21对肿瘤细胞A549（肺癌细胞株）与基质Fn，ColⅣ间粘附、迁移亦有拮抗作用，对A549细胞可诱导其凋亡。结论：SZ-21通过对整合素（integrin）β3的抑制和诱导凋亡的作用表现了抗血管生成的能力，整合素与Fn，ColⅣ的结合部位也不限于RGD序列，而具有不同的识别信号。     

Assessment of the role of heparan sulfate in high molecular weight kininogen binding to human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Summary.  The assembly and activation of the kinin forming system components on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) have been studied in great detail. Proteins such as gC1qR, cytokeratin-1 and u-PAR have been identified to be responsible for Zn²⁺-dependent binding of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) to HUVEC. Heparan sulfate has also been shown to have a major role in Zn²⁺-dependent binding of HK to the endothelial cell line, Ea.hy 926. In this study, we have analyzed the possible contribution of heparan sulfate to high molecular weight kininogen binding to HUVEC using multiple approaches. The presence of heparan sulfate on HUVEC was analyzed by staining with an antibody specific for heparan sulfate. Incubation of the cells with bacterial heparinases removed the heparan sulfate from the cell surface to the level seen with a control antibody, however, the Zn²⁺-dependent binding of HK was not affected. Further, blocking of heparan sulfate with a specific antibody to heparan sulfate even after digestion with heparinases did not reduce HK binding whereas antibodies to the proteins gC1qR and cytokeratin-1 consistently reduced the binding of HK to the endothelial cells. The binding intensities of FITC-labeled HK were similar in heparinase-treated and -untreated HUVEC. The rate of kallikrein formation by the assembly of factor XII, HK and PK were similar in both heparinase-treated and non-treated HUVEC. All of these data indicate that heparan sulfate does not contribute significantly to HK binding to HUVEC.     

Ta1722, an anti-angiogenesis inhibitor targeted on VEGFR-2 against human hepatoma

In order to investigate the anti-angiogenesis potential and related mechanisms of Ta1722 (a novel taspine derivative compound), a series of experiments in vivo and in vitro were carried out. The proliferation on human cell lines of SMMC-7721, A549, MCF-7, Lovo, and ECV304 was examined by MTT. Angiogenesis inhibition was examined by chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis and tube formation assays. Related angiogenesis proteins and their mRNA expression were determined by western blotting and RT-PCR. In addition, the SMMC-7721 nude mouse xenotransplant model was used to evaluate the inhibition of tumor growth. The results showed that Ta1722 inhibited cell proliferation, angiogenesis of CAM and tube formation, and downregulated related positive angiogenesis proteins. The above indicated Ta1722 could serve as a promising candidate of angiogenesis inhibitors by interrupting the VEGF/VEGFR-2 pathway.     

A novel early chorioallantoic membrane assay demonstrates quantitative and qualitative changes caused by antiangiogenic substances

The chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) has been extensively used in the study of angiogenesis. However, the CAM assay can be difficult and time-consuming to quantify, provides poor quality images of the results, and is not very reproducible. In this study, a novel early CAM assay was developed: It was found to be quantitative through relatively simple methods, enabled high-quality imaging of results, and was reproducible. Additionally, unique qualitative changes in vessel structure were observed, and it was possible to measure veins and arteries separately. Treatment of the CAM on days 4 and 5 with SU5614, suramin, fumagillin, amiloride, and PI-88 reduced blood-vessel growth. SU5614 (4 microg) resulted in significant reductions in artery but not vein length (60% and 111%, respectively, vs control). Suramin tended to increase CAM vasculature at 50 microg but caused dramatic reductions both in vessel length and CAM growth at 100 microg. As with SU5614, the effect was greater with regard to arterial compared with venous length (49% and 74%, respectively, vs control). PI-88 (20 microg) also decreased artery and vein length (66% and 80%, respectively, vs control). In contrast, fumagillin (5 microg) and amiloride (20 microg) both reduced arterial growth slightly less than venous growth (67% and 54% and 50% and 44%, respectively, vs control). Each antiangiogenic substance caused a different qualitative pattern of change in vessel branching and structure. The early CAM assay will be useful in the screening of antiangiogenic substances. Further study of the qualitative effects of antiangiogenic treatments may be a valuable tool to increase our understanding of the angiogenic process itself.     

Amifostine inhibits angiogenesis in vivo

Amifostine (WR-2721) is an inorganic thiophosphate-cytoprotective agent developed to selectively protect normal tissues against the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation. We have previously shown that amifostine protects both chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) vessels and cells from the effects of X-rays. In the present work, we studied the effect of amifostine on angiogenesis in vivo, using the CAM model. Amifostine decreased the number of CAM vessels in a dose-dependent manner, without being toxic for the tissue. It also decreased the mRNA levels of both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms VEGF(165) and VEGF(190), 6 and up to 48 h after its application onto the CAM. Similarly, it decreased the mRNA levels of inducible nitric-oxide synthase, 24 and 48 h after drug application. Furthermore, amifostine decreased the deposited amounts of laminin and collagen I 24 h after its application, without affecting the expression of the corresponding genes. The protein amounts and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 were not affected, whereas the expression of the corresponding gene was decreased up to 48 h after drug application. Finally, the activity of plasmin was increased 6 h after amifostine application and remained increased at later time points. These findings suggest that amifostine alters the expression of several molecules implicated in the angiogenesis process and affects the composition of the extracellular matrix in a way that leads to inhibition of angiogenesis. Such an antiangiogenic action of amifostine, together with its radioprotective effects, further supports its use in combination with radiotherapy for increased therapeutic efficacy.     

The ubiquitin-proteasome system meets angiogenesis

A strict physiological balance between endogenous proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors controls endothelial cell functions, such that endothelial cell growth is normally restrained. However, in pathologic angiogenesis, a shift occurs in the balance of regulators, favoring endothelial growth. Much of the control of angiogenic events is instigated through hypoxia-induced VEGF expression. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a central role in fine-tuning the functions of core proangiogenic proteins, including VEGF, VEGFR-2, angiogenic signaling proteins (e.g., the PLCγ1 and PI3 kinase/AKT pathways), and other non-VEGF angiogenic pathways. The emerging mechanisms by which ubiquitin modification of angiogenic proteins control angiogenesis involve both proteolytic and nonproteolytic functions. Here, I review recent advances that link the UPS to regulation of angiogenesis and highlight the potential therapeutic value of the UPS in angiogenesis-associated diseases.     

血小板衍生膜微粒对鸡胚绒毛尿囊膜血管新生的影响

本研究探讨血小板衍生膜微粒(platelet-derived membrane microparticles,PMP)对鸡胚绒毛尿囊膜(CAM)新生血管形成的影响。用凝血酶激活血小板释放出PMP,再经高速离心分离出PMP,用流式细胞仪检定PMP,并用BCA法测定PMP的含量。将PMP接种于鸡胚绒毛尿囊膜上,观察PMP对CAM血管生成的影响。结果显示:当PMP的浓度为80μg/ml时,孵育72小时后混合纤维素滤膜周围可见到放射状密集生长的血管网,血管分支数为112.5±11.31,血管面积为(6.19±1.29)(,而在对照组无特异性密集血管生成,血管分支数为82.6±8.05,血管面积为1.78±0.33,二组比较有显著性差异(P<0.05);而与VEGF组比较,后者的血管分支数为128.4±10.02,血管面积为7.44±1.36,二组比较差异无显著性。结论:PMP对CAM新生血管的生成有促进作用。     

Enhanced anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor activity of endostatin by chemical modification with polyethylene glycol and low molecular weight heparin

Endostatin (ES), a potent endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor found in 1997 by O’Reilly, can effectively inhibit angiogenesis, inhibit the growth and metastasis of tumors. ES can also decrease drug resistance in long term and repeated treatment when it is used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. But there are still lots of obstacles on its clinical application, such as the need of a high dose to maintain its efficacy short half-life, poor stability, expensive, and some other shortcomings just like other protein drugs. Chemical modification on ES by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were successfully carried out in order to obtain a better ES derivative. Several classic experimental models were employed to study the bioactivity of ES and modified ES, including chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, corneal neovascularization (CNV) assay and Sarcoma 180 tumor bearing mice assay. The results showed that PEG-ES and LMWH-ES had better anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor activity than ES, which indicates that LMWH was also a good protein modifier.     

脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)在多发性骨髓瘤患者血浆中表达增高及其意义的初步研究

为了研究多发性骨髓瘤 (MM)患者血浆中脑源性神经营养因子 (BDNF)、血管内皮细胞生长因子 (VEGF)的表达情况和BDNF与血管新生的关系 ,初步探讨BDNF在MM的发生与发展中的潜在作用 ,用酶联免疫吸附试验 (ELISA)测定MM患者与健康体检者血浆BDNF和VEGF的浓度 ;采用MTT法观察BDNF对脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)增殖的作用 ;用改良的Boyden小室法和体外小管形成实验等体外血管新生模型观察BDNF对HUVEC迁移和形成血管通道的影响 ;采用鸡胚尿囊膜血管生成实验和小鼠matrigelplug方法观察BDNF对体内血管新生的影响。结果表明 :患者血浆BDNF浓度为 (4.2 2± 0 .6 4 )ng ml,与健康体检者 (2 .0 3± 0 .38)ng ml相比 ,差异有显著性意义 (P =0 .0 10 ) ;患者血浆VEGF浓度为 (79.35± 13.2 5 ) pg ml,与健康体检者 (34.4 1± 1.78)pg ml相比 ,差异有显著性意义 (P =0 .0 0 6 )。BDNF与VEGF水平间存在着相关性 (r =0 .4 30 ,P =0 .0 2 5 )。BDNF对HUVEC的增殖没有显著作用 ,但可明显促进HUVEC的迁移和管状结构形成 ;同时可促进鸡胚尿囊膜血管生成和matrigelplug中血管新生。结论 :MM患者血浆BDNF和VEGF显著增高 ,BDNF在体内外均具有明显的促血管新生效应 ,在MM的血管新生中可能起着重要作用。     

VEGF-C mRNA在宫颈癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的　探讨血管内皮生长因子C(VEGF C)mRNA在宫颈癌组织中的表达及其与宫颈癌临床病理特征和血管生成的关系。方法　以逆转录 聚合酶链反应 (RT PCR)检测VEGF CmRNA在 5 1例宫颈癌组织中的表达 ,以CD34抗体免疫组织化学染色检测宫颈癌组织的微血管密度 (MVD)。结果　 5 1例宫颈癌组织中有 35例 ( 6 8 6 3% )VEGF CmRNA表达阳性 ,淋巴结转移的宫颈癌组织中的VEGF C的表达阳性率( 6 3 6 % ,2 1/31) ,明显高于淋巴结阴性的宫颈癌组织 ( 2 0 0 % ,4 /2 0 ) ,差异有显著意义 (P <0 0 1) ,微血管密度高的宫颈癌组织中VEGF CmRNA表达阳性率 ( 6 2 5 % ,2 0 /32 )明显高于微血管密度低的宫颈癌组织 ( 2 6 .3% ,5 /19) (P <0 0 5 )。结论　VEGF CmRNA表达对宫颈癌淋巴结转移和血管生成具有重要作用     

Inhibition of angiogenesis by adenovirus-mediated sFlt-1 expression in a rat model of corneal neovascularization.

Pathological angiogenesis, or the production of new capillary vessels from preexisting vasculature, within the eye is a serious event that often leads to blindness. Upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been linked to neovascularization in the eye, suggesting that it could be a suitable target to inhibit angiogenic changes. This work investigated whether the presence of a proven antiangiogenic factor, the soluble variant of the VEGF receptor, sFlt-1, in the anterior chamber is sufficient to inhibit new vessel formation in the cornea in an animal model of corneal neovascularization. A recombinant adenovirus vector that can mediate efficient in vivo gene transfer and expression in ocular cells was selected as a delivery agent. We have shown that after the injection of Ad.betagal into the anterior chamber of normal and cauterized rat eyes, corneal endothelial cells and cells of the trabecular meshwork were efficiently transduced and that beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) expression was maintained up to 10 days postinjection. Cauterization significantly increased the amount of immunoreactive VEGF in vehicle- or Ad.null-injected animals (t test, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, when cauterization was combined with Ad.sflt injection there was no statistically significant increase in the amount of immunoreactive VEGF (p = 0.12). The injection of Ad.sflt into the anterior chamber slowed or inhibited VEGF-induced angiogenic changes. After cauterization, 100% of uninjected and vehicle-injected and 82% of Ad.null-injected animals developed moderate to severe corneal angiogenesis in contrast to 18% of Ad.sflt-injected animals. These in vivo results suggest that the transient presence of antiangiogenic agents in the anterior chamber can be successfully used to inhibit the development of corneal angiogenesis.