Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), acting through its receptor, c–met, is a cytokine whose role in promoting cell migration has been extensively documented. HGF and c–met have been implicated in the progression of angiogenesis in many cancer models through its effect on cell migration. However a similar role of HGF in retinal angiogenesis has not been determined. Objective: To determine if the level of HGF and its receptor, c–met are altered in a mouse model of retinal neovascularization. Methods: Retinal neovascularization was induced in newborn mice by exposure to 75% oxygen followed by room air. Tissues were collected at day 12 (hours 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12), day 15 and 17 following removal from high oxygen. The retinal tissues from these animals were analyzed for HGF and c–met mRNA levels by RT–PCR. Results: A 3 and 6–fold increase in the levels of HGF and c–met mRNA was found in retinal tissues within 6 hours following removal from oxygen. The level of expression subsequently declined with time, and by days 15 and 17, the levels of c–met and HGF were undetectable in experimental samples. Conclusion: HGF, acting through its receptor c–met, may play an important role in the initial stages of angiogenesis in the mouse model of ischemia–induced retinopathy.
Keywords: growth factors/growth factor receptors • retinal neovascularization • diabetic retinopathy