Temporal and Spatial Expression of PHD-2 in Retina of Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Purpose: : To detect the expression and location of prolyl hydroxylase (PHD)-2 in retina of diabetic rats.

Methods: : Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by a single injection of streptozotocin. The retinal vasculature was observed by Evans blue perfusion.The protein expression of PHD-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was determined by western blot analyses in the retina of the control rats and the diabetic rats every month till 6months after STZ injection. To further define the location of PHD-2 expression in the retina, immunohistochemistry was performed.

Results: : The results of Evans blue perfusion were obtained in normal retinal vessels without leakage. The stained vessels of diabetic retina showed increased fluorescence,indicating the damage of retina-blood barrier. The protein expression of VEGF was up-regulated after the onset of diabetic retina. The expression of PHD-2 was stable in control retina,but decreased in the retina of rats firstly after diabetics induction and reverted progressively since 3 months. Abundant expression of PHD-2 protein was detected in the inner layers of retina in normal control rats and diabetic rats.

Conclusions: : The location of PHD-2 expression is in the inner layer of retina,indicating that PHD-2 plays an important role in maintaining the functions of vessels and nerve tissues. PHD-2 may play an important role in early diabetic retinopathy.

Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • protein structure/function • retina