Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:Previous studies have suggested a role for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) during ocular angiogenesis (Steen et al IOVS. 1998;39:2194-2200). However, the potential role of MMPs during ocular vasculogenesis is unknown. To address this we have investigated the role of MMP-2 in the development of the retinal vessels during retinal vasculogenesis. Methods:MMP-2 knock out and wild-type, C57 black, mice, two for each time point in each group, were infused intracardially with fluorescein day 0,3,6,9,12,15,17 and 19. Eyes were enucleated anf fixed in formaldehyde for 3-24 hours. The cornea and lens were removed and the retina was carefully dissected from the eyecup and flatmounted. Flatmounts were examined by fluorescence microscopy. The distance from the center of the optic nerve to the leading front of developing retinal vessels in each quadrant was measured. The mean was used as a single experimental value. Results:In both knock out and wild-type mice retinal vessels were detected at day 0 around the optic nerve head. By day 10 the vessels had reached the peripheral retina in both groups. No difference was observed in the pattern of retinal vessel development between the MMP-2 knock out and wild-type mice at any timepoint. Conclusion:The present study does not support a role for MMP-2 in retinal vasculogenesis in the mouse.
Keywords: 566 retinal neovascularization • 423 growth factors/growth factor receptors • 606 transgenics/knock-outs