Proteins with an endostatin-like domain in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy

Neovascularization in the retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) mouse eye is a self-limiting phenomenon. Free endostatin is known to be anti-angiogenic. In this study, we identified the localization of endostatin-like protein (ELP) sequences and investigated their possible role in this process. ROP was induced in C57Bl/6 mice and the eyes observed 1-11 days after termination of high oxygen supply (P13-P21). Sagittal sections and retinal flatmounts were double-stained with antibodies against a protein-sequence of endostatin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), lectin, and smooth-muscle alpha actin. The fluorescence was visualized by traditional and confocal microscopy. Intense staining for VEGF in the inner retina was limited to the early stages of neovascularization and diminished at P19-P21. In contrast, staining for ELPs appeared at P15 around the newly formed vessels and remained even after degeneration of their endothelial cells. Staining of the inner retinal vasculature for ELPs was restricted to P17-P19, the known maximum of the neovascular response. Outer retinal vessels did not show presence of ELPs at any time. Our study demonstrates that ELPs, absent at the beginning of neovascular sprouting, increases with the amount of neovascularization and thus, varies reciprocally to VEGF in the time period investigated. ELPs remain during the regression of the vessels and might therefore play an important role in the self-limiting process of ROP neovascularization.     

氧诱导视网膜病变鼠模型血管内皮 生长因子mRNA的表达

目的分析氧诱导视网膜病变动物模型血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）基因的调节规律，阐明早产儿视网膜病变（ROP）新生血管形成的可能机制。方法将36只7 d 龄C₅₇BL/6J幼鼠暴露在（75±2）% 浓度的高氧状态下5 d，随后在正常氧环境下5 d，作为氧诱导模型组；另24只同日龄幼鼠作为正常对照组。采用荧光素血管灌注及视网膜铺片法观察视网膜血管形态；半定量逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RP-PCR)观察各组VEGF mRNA的变化。结果氧诱导模型的视网膜血管形态特征为高氧状态下表层和深层血管的中心区出现无灌注，相对低氧状态下2 d后开始出现新生血管，其部位在中周部。RF-PCR结果显示，VEGF的表达与眼内新生血管的发生存在明确的时空对应关系，即高氧状态下，VEGF mRNA转录下降，相对低氧状态下，VEGF mRNA过度转录。结论缺氧是视网膜新生血管发生的主要原因；高氧之后的相对低氧使VEGF表达增加，可能会降低ROP新生血管的发生。(中华眼底病杂志,2005,21:292-295)     

奥曲肽抑制视网膜新生血管形成的实验研究

目的　探讨生长抑素类似物奥曲肽对视网膜新生血管形成的影响及其治疗作用。方法　将鼠龄7d的小鼠40只随机分为5组,每组8只。正常对照组于正常空气环境中饲养,不予任何处理;其他4组置于氧箱中饲养。实验组分别皮下注射奥曲肽20和50μg·kg-1·d-1,实验对照组皮下注射等量PBS,连续用药5d,高氧组不注射奥曲肽。将鼠龄17d的小鼠处死,摘除眼球制作标本,进行组织病理学及电镜观察。光镜下观察并计数突破视网膜内界膜的血管内皮细胞核数。原位杂交法检测生长抑素受体2(SSTR2)在视网膜上的表达。电镜下观察视网膜组织超微结构的改变。结果　正常对照组标本HE染色几乎未见突破内界膜的血管内皮细胞核,高氧组和实验对照组可见较多的突破内界膜的血管内皮细胞核,而实验组的数目明显少于高氧组和实验对照组。SSTR2原位杂交染色可见正常对照组、高氧组、实验对照组视网膜神经节细胞层、内核层及血管内皮细胞SSTR2强阳性表达,实验组呈弱阳性表达,其中大剂量实验组的表达更弱于小剂量实验组。电镜下可见缺氧引起小鼠视网膜视细胞层的破坏,奥曲肽治疗后,视网膜超微结构的损害明显好转。结论　奥曲肽能有效抑制视网膜新生血管的形成,在一定程度上可预防缺氧造成的视网膜超微结构的损害。     

轴突导向因子-1 mRNA在氧诱导血管增生性视网膜病变中的表达

目的研究高氧诱导的视网膜新生血管模型鼠中轴突导向因子-1（Netrin-1）mRNA的表达差异。方法采用高氧诱导的方法制作鼠视网膜新生血管模型;运用荧光造影视网膜铺片及视网膜切片苏木精-伊红染色观察视网膜新生血管的形态。于出生后第12、14、17d取小鼠视网膜,采用RT-PCR测定Netritt-1mRNA的表达水平。结果模型组视网膜铺片及组织切片可见大量视网膜新生血管形成。出生后12d,模型组与正常组视网膜组织中Netrin-1mRNA表达水平无明显差异;出生后14d,模型组视网膜组织中Netrin-1mRNA表达水平明显上调;出生后17d模型组视网膜组织中Netrin-1mRNA表达水平仍高于正常组。结论模型鼠视网膜新生血管发生过程中,持续缺氧的视网膜组织可能从转录水平增加Netrin-1的表达,从而诱导视网膜新生血管的发生。     

转录因子Islet-1在氧诱导血管增生性视网膜病变中的表达

目的:研究高氧诱导的视网膜新生血管模型鼠中转录因子Islet-1的表达差异。方法:采用高氧诱导的方法制作鼠视网膜新生血管模型,运用荧光造影视网膜铺片及视网膜切片苏木精-伊红染色观察视网膜新生血管的形态。于小鼠出生后第7,12,14,17,26d取视网膜组织,采用Real-time PCR及Western blot技术测定视网膜组织中Islet-1的表达水平。结果:模型组视网膜铺片及组织切片可见大量视网膜新生血管形成。小鼠出生后第7d,模型组与正常组视网膜组织中Islet-1表达水平无明显差异;小鼠出生后第12~14d,模型组视网膜组织中Islet-1表达水平明显上调;出生后17d,模型组视网膜组织中Islet-1表达水平仍高于正常组;出生后26d,随着视网膜新生血管消退,视网膜组织中Islet-1表达水平降至正常水平。结论:模型鼠视网膜新生血管发生过程中,持续缺氧的视网膜组织通过增加转录因子Islet-1的表达,从而诱导视网膜新生血管的发生。     

TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha receptor-1 in the retina of normal and glaucomatous eyes.

PURPOSE. To determine the expression and localization of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and TNF-alpha receptor-1 in the retina of normal and glaucomatous eyes. METHODS. Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, retinal expression and localization of TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha receptor-1 were studied in retina sections from 20 eyes of donors with glaucoma, and 20 eyes of age-matched normal donors. RESULTS. According to immunohistochemistry, the intensity of the immunostaining and the number of labeled cells for TNF-alpha or its receptor were greater in retina sections of glaucomatous eyes than in control eyes of age-matched normal donors. In situ hybridization showed that mRNA signals for TNF-alpha or TNF-alpha receptor-1 were similarly more intense in glaucomatous eyes than in age-matched control eyes. Both protein and mRNA of TNF-alpha or TNF-alpha receptor-1 were predominantly localized to the inner retinal layers. Double-immunofluorescence labeling demonstrated that retinal immunostaining for TNF-alpha was predominantly positive in the glial cells, whereas immunostaining for TNF-alpha receptor-1 was mainly positive in the retinal ganglion cells. CONCLUSIONS. Upregulation of TNF-alpha and its receptor-1 in glaucomatous retina suggest that TNF-alpha-mediated cell death is involved in the neurodegeneration process of glaucoma.     

Tenomodulin抑制氧诱导视网膜病变小鼠模型新生血管形成的研究

目的探讨Tenoinodulin（TeM）蛋白对C57BL／6J小鼠早产儿视网膜病变模型（ROP）视网膜新生血管形成的抑制作用。方法将60只7d龄C57BL／6J幼鼠随机分为高氧组（ROP组）、正常对照组各15只和TeM组30只。将ROP组小鼠置于体积分数（75％±2％）的高氧环境中5d,随后回到正常氧环境中饲养5d;对照组小鼠饲养在正常氧环境中;TeM组是将鼠1只眼玻璃体腔内注射1μg TeM,对侧眼注射PBS作为对照,然后置于体积分数（75％±2％）的高氧环境中饲养5d,之后返回正常氧环境中。17d时处死全部小鼠,收集各组眼球。视网膜荧光素灌注铺片观察视网膜血管的改变、计算视网膜无灌注区的面积;计数突破内界膜的内皮细胞数反映视网膜血管增生情况,观察TeM蛋白对视网膜新生血管形成的抑制作用及对视网膜可能的毒性反应;Western blot检测TeM蛋白在视网膜内的表达。结果与高氧组（2．94±0．55）mm^2。及TeM组中对侧眼注射PBS（2．83±0．46）mm^2的视网膜铺片中央非灌注区面积（mm^2）相比,注射TeM的视网膜铺片（0．44±0．26）mm^2,其中央非灌注区面积差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;每个视网膜切面突破内界膜的内皮细胞核数（10．57±2．95）与前二者（44．93±6．78、41．07±7．31）比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。注射TeM的视网膜冰冻切片未见炎症反应和细胞毒性破坏。Western blot检测结果显示注射TeM的视网膜呈阳性表达,注射PBS的视网膜未出现条带反应,TeM的相对分子质量约为16000。结论TeM可有效抑制视网膜新生血管的形成,预示着TeM在预防和治疗眼部新生血管方面具有潜在的作用。     

Localization of VEGF receptor-2 (KDR/Flk-1) and effects of blocking it in oxygen-induced retinopathy

PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) has been implicated in vascular development and in proliferative retinopathies. The goal of this study was to examine the immunohistochemical localization and relative levels of VEGF receptor-2 (KDR) in canine retina during postnatal vasculogenesis and during angiogenesis in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and to investigate the effects of neutralizing KDR on these processes. METHODS: Eyes from normal dogs ranging from 1 to 22 days of age and age-matched oxygen-treated animals were snap frozen for immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies against human KDR. To examine the effects of blocking KDR, 6-day-old air-reared control and oxygen-treated animals were surgically implanted with slow release polymer pellets containing control IgG or anti-KDR. Material eluted from pellets was assessed using a binding assay (measures binding to soluble KDR) to determine the kinetics of anti-KDR release and endothelial cell proliferation to measure bioactivity. Animals were killed at 22 days of age and tissues examined with adenosine diphosphatase (ADPase) histochemical staining of blood vessels. RESULTS: KDR immunoreactivity was only weakly associated with developing retinal vessels and was not observed in angioblasts throughout normal postnatal development. Immunoreactivity was very strong in reforming retinal vessels and intravitreal neovascularization in oxygen-treated animals. Anti-KDR had no effect on vessel morphology or growth in air-reared control animals. In oxygen-treated animals, anti-KDR significantly inhibited revascularization of the retina (P = 0.005) and formation of intravitreal neovascularization compared with control IgG pellet eyes (P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: KDR/Flk-1 was only weakly associated with normal developing primary retinal vessels but was strongly expressed by proliferating endothelial cells in reforming retinal vessels and intravitreal neovascularization after hyperoxic insult. Anti-KDR antibody delivered by slow-release pellets had no effect on normal vasculogenesis, but it inhibited the formation of intravitreal neovascularization and retinal vessel development in OIR. The study suggests that blocking KDR may be beneficial for treating pathologic angiogenesis in adult tissue.     

Conditional knockdown of tubedown-1 in endothelial cells leads to neovascular retinopathy

PURPOSE: Identification of novel proteins involved in retinal neovascularization may facilitate new and more effective molecular-based treatments for proliferative retinopathy. Tubedown-1 (Tbdn-1) is a novel protein that shows homology to the yeast acetyltransferase subunit NAT1 and copurifies with an acetyltransferase activity. Tbdn-1 is expressed in normal retinal endothelium but is specifically suppressed in retinal endothelial cells from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of Tbdn-1 expression in retinal blood vessels in vivo. METHODS: A bitransgenic mouse model that enables conditional knockdown of Tbdn-1 specifically in endothelial cells was produced and studied using molecular, histologic, and immunohistochemical techniques and morphometric analysis. RESULTS: Tbdn-1-suppressed mice exhibited retinal and choroidal neovascularization with intra- and preretinal fibrovascular lesions similar to human proliferative retinopathies. Retinal lesions observed in Tbdn-1-suppressed mice increased in severity with prolonged suppression of Tbdn-1. In comparison to normal retina, the retinal lesions displayed alterations in the basement membrane of blood vessels and in the distribution of glial and myofibroblastic cells. Moreover, the pathologic consequences of Tbdn-1 knockdown in endothelium were restricted to the retina and the choroid. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the maintenance of Tbdn-1 expression is important for retinal blood vessel homeostasis and for controlling retinal neovascularization in adults. Restoration of Tbdn-1 protein expression and/or activity may provide a novel approach for treating proliferative retinopathies.     

A novel model of retinopathy of prematurity simulating preterm oxygen variability in the rat

PURPOSE: To examine changes in the retinal vasculature of rat pups after 14 days of minute-by-minute small variations in oxygen. METHODS: Arterial oxygen data from a preterm infant who developed severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was translated to equivalent values for the rat. Newborn rat pups were raised for 14 days in a cage in which a computer controlled the atmosphere to mimic the fluctuating oxygen profile (group V). Positive controls (P) of 12-hour cycles of 80% and 21% were run concurrently, as were room air controls (C). All were killed at day 14. RESULTS: Groups V and P had significantly larger avascular retinal areas than C [median, interquartile range (IQR) 1.7%, 0-7.9%; 10%, 8.1-13%; 0%, 0-0%, respectively; each group n = 30]. Group P had a higher capillary branch count than C (median, IQR: 310/mm(2); 253-311 mm(2); versus 277/mm(2), 272-364/mm(2), respectively), but this was not significant using a multilevel analysis. Group V had significantly reduced capillary counts compared with C (median, 261/mm(2); IQR, 215-290/mm(2); P < 0.05 multilevel analysis). No neovascularization was seen in any group, though abnormal terminal vessels were seen at the avascular/vascular retina interface in 73% of rats in group P and 21% of rats in group V. In situ hybridization on serial sections demonstrated VEGF in the inner nuclear layer of the retina in P and V, whereas C showed trace levels only. CONCLUSIONS: The vaso-obliterative stage of ROP can be induced in rats using clinically relevant oxygen levels.     

基质细胞衍生因子-1在氧诱导视网膜病变小鼠视网膜中的表达

背景早产儿视网膜病变（ROP）的进展与多种新生血管调控因子有关,而基质细胞衍生因子·1（SDF．1）在氧诱导视网膜病变（OIR）动物模型视网膜中的表达及其作用机制尚不明确。目的对SDF-1在OIR小鼠模型视网膜中的表达进行定位和定量分析。方法应用随机数字表法将动物随机分组。将20只7日龄C57BL／6J幼鼠暴露在体积分数（75±2）％浓度的高氧状态下5d,随后在正常氧环境下5d,作为OIR组;另20只同日龄幼鼠作为正常对照组。通过免疫组织化学染色和实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应（real-timePCR）法观察视网膜的SDF-1的蛋白表达以及SDF-1mRNA的变化。结果OIR组12日龄小鼠的视网膜神经节细胞层可见SDF．1蛋白呈阳性表达;OIR组17习龄小鼠的神经节细胞层、内层视网膜的血管内皮细胞、新生血管内皮细胞可见SDF-1蛋白呈强阳性表达;正常对照组12日龄小鼠SDF-1蛋白和正常对照组17日龄小鼠SDF-1蛋白微弱表达于内层视网膜及视网膜血管附近。OIR组17日龄小鼠的SDF-1mRNA表达水平明显高于OIR组12日龄小鼠（P〈O．01）及正常对照组17日龄小鼠（P〈0．01）;OIR组12日龄小鼠SDF-1mRNA表达水平明显低于正常对照组12日龄小鼠（P〈0．05）。OIR组17日龄小鼠的SDF-1mRNA表达水平明显高于OIR组12日龄小鼠（t=8．072,P〈0．05）和正常对照组17日龄小鼠（t=10．026,P〈O．05）;OIR组12日龄小鼠SDF-1mRNA表达水平明显低于正常对照组12日龄小鼠（t=4．336,P〈0．05）。结论SDF-1在相对低氧状态下的视网膜中表达明显上调,因而可促进OIR的视网膜新生血管形成。     

COX-2 inhibition and retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE: The prostaglandin-cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway influences new blood vessel growth in a variety of tissues. This study was conducted to determine the cellular location of COX-2 in the retina and whether the inhibition of COX-2 would reduce retinal angiogenesis in a rodent model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: ROP was induced in C57BL/6 mice by exposing 7-day-old mice to 75% oxygen (hyperoxia) for 5 days followed by 5 days in room air (relative hypoxia and retinal angiogenesis). Normal mice were those with a normally developing retinal vasculature exposed to room air from birth until postnatal day (P)17. The COX-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib (15 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally) was administered to normal and ROP mice from P12 to P17. Immunohistochemistry for COX-2 was performed on retinas from all groups by the avidin-biotin method. Histologic methods were used to count blood vessel profiles (BVPs) in the inner retina (inner limiting membrane, ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer) with a masked approach. RESULTS: Intense COX-2 immunolabeling was specifically localized to ganglion cells and blood vessels of all mice retinas. In ROP mice, COX-2 immunolabeling was detected on blood vessels extending into the vitreous cavity. Quantitation of BVPs in the inner retina revealed an increase in untreated ROP mice compared with untreated normal mice (P < 0.001). Rofecoxib decreased BVPs by approximately 45% in normal mice and 37% in ROP mice. CONCLUSIONS: COX-2 is localized to sites associated with retinal blood vessels. The finding that the selective COX-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, attenuated the retinal angiogenesis that accompanies ROP, and normal retinal development indicates that COX-2 plays an important role in blood vessel formation in the retina.     

氧诱导的血管增生性视网膜病变小鼠模型

目的 建立可量化的血管增生性视网膜病变小鼠模型。方法 将鼠龄为7d的C57BL/6J幼鼠17只暴露于75％氧浓度环境下饲养持续5d,然后回到正常空气中饲养;17只同龄幼鼠置于正常空气环境中饲养作为对照。ADP酶法视网膜铺片了解视网膜血管的改变;用组织切片观察并计数突破视网膜内界膜的内皮细胞核数目;视网膜组织切片用CD31进行免疫组织化学染色。结果 持续高浓度氧使幼鼠视网膜血管收缩、分支闭塞、中央部可见灌注降低,相对低氧使视网膜血管扩张、增生。组织切片可见正常对照组平均每张切片突破内界膜内皮细胞核数目<1个,给氧组平均24个/切片,两组比较差别有显著性意义(P<0.01)。给氧组视网膜组织切片经用CD31抗体处理后显示内界膜玻璃体面细胞染色阳性。结论 该模型具有可重复性强、可定量研究的优点,是进行视网膜新生血管发生机制及药物干预的合适模型。     

Role of vitronectin receptor-type integrins and osteopontin in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization

PURPOSE: It has been reported that vitronectin receptor-type integrins mediate vascular cell proliferation and migration. In this study, we investigated the expression of vitronectin receptor-type integrins and osteopontin in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization, and examined the role of osteopontin in angiogenesis as a ligand of vitronectin receptor-type integrins. METHODS: Retinal neovascularization was produced by exposing C57BL/6J mice to 75% oxygen from postnatal day (P) 7 to P12. Expression of vitronectin receptor-type integrins and osteopontin was assessed by Northern blot analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence. The role of osteopontin in retinal angiogenesis was evaluated by tube formation assay using cultured bovine retinal microcapillary endothelial cells. RESULTS: In the murine model, integrin alpha(v) mRNA was increased from P14 with a 2.6-fold peak response observed on P19, when retinal neovascularization was remarkable. Indirect immunofluorescence for vitronectin receptor-type integrins revealed prominent expression of integrin alpha(v)beta3/beta5 in the neovascular endothelial cells. Osteopontin mRNA was increased from P14, with a 2.0-fold peak response observed on P19. In situ hybridization demonstrated localization of osteopontin mRNA in neovascular tufts. Vascular endothelial growth factor-induced tube formation (8.3 +/- 0.6 mm/field) was inhibited significantly by treatment with anti-osteopontin antibody (4.8 +/- 0.7 mm/field, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that increased expression of both vitronectin receptor-type integrins and osteopontin in ischemic retina contribute to vascular endothelial cell proliferation and to retinal vascular formation by promoting interaction between endothelial cells and extracellular matrix, which leads to retinal neovascularization.     

Effects of sustained hyperoxia on revascularization in experimental retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of prolonged hyperoxia on vascular recovery and glia survival after experimentally induced retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the mouse. METHODS: The effects of hyperoxia on revascularization and vitreous neovascularization were compared between mice raised in 75% oxygen from postnatal day (P)7 to P12, followed by room air recovery and mice raised in 75% oxygen from P7 to P27. The status of astrocytes and Müller cells was evaluated by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry on retinal wholemounts and serial sections. A window of susceptibility to oxygen-induced vaso-obliteration was defined by comparing the extent of retinal vaso-obliteration resulting from 2 days of hyperoxia beginning on P7, P9, P11, P13, or P15. RESULTS: Oxygen-induced vaso-obliteration of retinal capillaries was limited to the period between birth and P15. Paradoxically, revascularization was markedly accelerated and neovascularization markedly reduced in mice maintained in prolonged hyperoxia (P7-P27) compared with mice recovering in room air. The extended use of 75% oxygen during the recovery period was associated with preservation of astrocytes and Müller cells in the avascular retina. CONCLUSIONS: The antiangiogenic effect of hyperoxia on retinal capillaries is strongly dependent on postnatal age. A protocol of continuous 75% supplemental oxygen accelerates recovery of inner retinal vasculature and prevents vitreous neovascularization, by a mechanism that may involve preservation of inner retinal glia.     

慢病毒介导sFlt-1基因转移抑制视网膜新生血管的实验研究

目的研究可溶性fms样酪氨酸激酶-1（sFlt-1）对小鼠视网膜新生血管的抑制作用。方法将54只C57/6J小鼠随机分为3组,每组18只。将其中2组小鼠于生后第7天开始置于体积分数75%氧环境中,5d后返回正常空气环境中以建立氧诱导的小鼠视网膜新生血管模型,于17d时玻璃体腔内分别注射1μLlenti-GFP和携带sFlt-1基因片段的重组慢病毒,设为模型对照组和lenti.sFlt-1组,18只正常空气环境中生长的小鼠玻璃体腔内注射1μL磷酸盐缓冲液,设为正常对照组。通过小鼠眼球连续切片苏木精-伊红染色和心脏荧光素灌注视网膜铺片法观察小鼠视网膜新生血管的变化情况,采用免疫组织化学染色法检测视网膜血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）和VEGF受体-2（KDR/Flk-1）的表达变化。结果经RT-PCR扩增的靶基因片段序列与GenBank中的标准序列相吻合。感染后的人RPE细胞能够表达sFlt-1蛋白。正常对照组小鼠视网膜内界膜平整,模型对照组小鼠突破内界膜血管内皮细胞核的数目为（47.26±6.76）,而lenti.sFlt-1组为（5.21±1.93）个,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。视网膜铺片可见新生血管荧光素渗漏表现。慢病毒携带的sFlt-1基因片段转移至模型小鼠视网膜后,发现突入玻璃体腔的血管内皮细胞核数较模型对照组显著减少,并且视网膜毛细血管扩张、微血管瘤样改变、新生血管等荧光素渗漏表现亦明显减少;同时lenti.sFlt-1组VEGF的表达与模型对照组相比在视网膜神经节细胞层和内核层仍呈现强阳性染色,无明显变化,而KDR/Flk-1的阳性染色显著减少。结论慢病毒介导sFlt-1基因转移能显著抑制小鼠视网膜新生血管的发生。     

SB-267268, a nonpeptidic antagonist of alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 integrins, reduces angiogenesis and VEGF expression in a mouse model of retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE: To determine whether SB-267268, a nonpeptidic antagonist of the alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 integrins, attenuates angiogenesis in a murine model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and alters the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its second receptor (VEGF-R2). METHODS: In receptor binding, SB-267268 exhibited nanomolar potency for human, monkey, and murine alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5. SB-267268 inhibited the attachment of alpha(v)beta3-transfected HEK293 cells to microtiter plate wells precoated with RGD-containing matrix proteins, and vitronectin-mediated human and rat aortic smooth-muscle-cell migration. At postnatal day (P)12, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 80% oxygen for 7 days followed by 7 days in room air (angiogenic period). Between P12 and P17, ROP mice were administered sterile saline (vehicle intraperitoneal [i.p.]) or SB-267268 (60 mg/kg bi-daily, i.p.). Shams were exposed to room air from P0 and administered either vehicle or SB-267268 during P12 to 17. In at least 3 randomly chosen paraffin sections from each eye, the number of blood vessel profiles in the inner retina were counted. In situ hybridization for VEGF and VEGFR-2 was performed on at least 8 randomly chosen paraffin sections from each eye. RESULTS: SB-267268 reduced pathologic angiogenesis in ROP mice by approximately 50% and had no effect on developmental retinal angiogenesis in shams. Both VEGF and VEGFR-2 mRNA were upregulated in the inner retina of ROP mice and reduced with SB-267268. CONCLUSIONS: Nonpeptidic inhibition of alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 integrins is effective in ROP and may be a suitable anti-angiogenic therapy for other ischemic retinal pathologies.     

Retinal vascular development and pathologic retinal angiogenesis are not impaired in matrix metalloproteinase-2 deficient mice

PURPOSE: Earlier studies have suggested a role for metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in retinal angiogenesis. To investigate this further, we have studied retinal vascular development and pathologic ischemia-induced retinal angiogenesis in MMP-2-deficient and wild-type mice. METHODS: Vascular development of the retina was studied in retinal flatmounts, whereas pathologic retinal angiogenesis was analyzed in retinal flatmounts and on histologic sections using a model of ischemia-induced retinopathy. The time course of MMP-2 mRNA expression was determined by in situ hybridization and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Formation of the retinal vascular plexus was not significantly different in MMP-2-deficient mice as compared to wild-type mice. In ischemia-induced retinopathy, there was an increased formation of extraretinal neovascular tufts in the MMP-2-deficient mice (p < 0.05). MMP-2 mRNA expression did not correlate to either retinal vascular development or to ischemia-induced formation of extraretinal vascular tufts. CONCLUSIONS: The current data suggest that MMP-2 is not essential for either retinal vascular development or pathologic retinal neovascularization in the mouse.