Effect of a single intravitreal injection of anti‐VEGF agents on retinal arteriolar caliber in mini pig eyes

Purpose The aim is to investigate the short-term effect of a single intravitreal bevacizumab, ranibizumab or pegaptanib sodium injection on the retinal arteriolar caliber in minipigs. Methods 15 eyes received an intravitreal injection: bevacizumab 1,25mg (n=5), ranibizumab 0,5mg (n=5) and pegaptanib sodium 0,3mg (n=5). The diameter of the retinal arterioles was measured in vivo with a Retinal Vessel Analyzer (RVA) every 15 minutes for 2 hours. Results After the injection of bevacizumab statistical significant vasoconstriction was reached 1h after injection (p 0.05) Conclusion The results suggest that intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF that blocks all isoforms of VEGF, induces retinal vasoconstriction. Further studies with a larger number of subjects would be helpful in establishing more clearly the effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment on retinal vessel diameters.