Selective photodynamic therapy by targeted verteporfin delivery to experimental choroidal neovascularization mediated by a homing peptide to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2
Abstract
To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and selectivity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using targeted delivery of verteporfin to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the rat laser-injury model of CNV. We performed PDT in rat eyes on experimental CNV and normal retina and choroid using verteporfin conjugates. A targeted verteporfin conjugate was made by conjugating verteporfin (after isolation from its liposomal formulation) to a modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer (verteporfin-PVA) followed by linkage to the peptide ATWLPPR known to bind the receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGFR2. The verteporfin-PVA conjugate served as a control. We performed fluorescent fundus angiography to determine the optimal timing of light application for PDT using the conjugates. Closure of CNV was assessed angiographically and graded in a masked standardized fashion. We used standardized histological grading to compare the effects on normal retina and choroid. The verteporfin-PVA conjugation ratio was on average 28:1. The conjugate retained typical emission/excitation spectra and photosensitizing activity and was as efficient as an equivalent amount of verteporfin. Peak intensity of targeted verteporfin in CNV was detected angiogr...Continue Reading
Citations
Peptide-based pharmacomodulation of a cancer-targeted optical imaging and photodynamic therapy agent
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