Abstract
dc:description.abstractThis body of work encompasses two studies: the collection of canine tears via a novel polyester<br />rod and the comparison of VEGF-A concentrations in tears from dogs with normal and<br />vascularized corneas. The first study used polyester rods for tear collection in dogs. Fluid volume and VEGF recovery characteristics, as well as potential binding of VEGF to the rod, were determined. Tears were harvested from normal dogs using rods and glass capillary tubes. Tears were assayed for tear film VEGF using a commercial canine VEGF sandwich ELISA kit. Dilutions of VEGF standard were wicked into the rods or drawn into capillary tubes, eluted, and assayed. Percent volume recovery is adequate for polyester rods as is percent VEGF recovery. VEGF is detectable in normal canine tears.The second study harvested tear samples from eyes of dogs with vascularizing corneal disease, as well as the contralateral unaffected eye of unilaterally diseased dogs, and normal dogs. Vascularization scores were assigned to diseased eyes and tear film VEGF concentration was assayed as above. Mean tear film VEGF concentration of diseased eyes did not differ from control eyes, and was not correlated with disease process, extent of vascularization, or other parameters. Tear film VEGF in unaffected eyes was significantly higher than control and vascularized eyes. Canine tear film VEGF exceeds biologically active concentrations, but does not correlate with state of corneal vascularization. VEGF-related control of corneal vascularization may be mediated by other proangiogenic factors.
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Science
- Level thesis:degree_level
- masters
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences
- Department dc:contributor.department
- Veterinary Medicine
- Grantor dc:publisher
- Virginia Tech
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2013
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Brantman, Karen Renee
- Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
-
- Pickett, James P.
- Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
-
- Herring, Ian P.
- Huckle, William R.
Subjects
dc:subject × 3Rights
dc:rights- Statement dc:rights
-
- In Copyright
- Licence dc:rights.uri
- Language dc:language.iso
- en
Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Dc Identifier Other
- vt_gsexam:954
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/23166