Title: CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF THE CORNEAL NEOVASCULARIZATION
Abstract: The corneal neovascularization was observed in adult rats after the application of heat. The new capillaries are formed in associated with the tips of the limbal vessels by transformation of young f ibroblasts to endothelial cells. The present observations have no inconsistencies with the previous hypothesis that the corneal edema is a “necessary condition” for the neovascularization. However, the study indicates that aggregation of abundant young f ibroblasts in the limbal region by mesenchymal reaction is “also necessary” for the neovascularization. New capillaries in the corneal stroma are sinusoidal type similar in structure to hepatic capillaries. Free passage of blood cells and plasma across the wall is frequent. Significance of mast cells for the corneal neovascularization was discus-sed. They may play a role for the venous edema as well as the connective tissue remodelling.