Abstract
Purpose :
The aim of this study was to detect the expressions of estrogen receptors in the retina and their respective function on neovascularization, using human retina and a mouse model for oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR).
Methods :
The OIR model was built and the mice were given E2, tamoxifen and PHTPP. The effects of these drugs on pathologic neovascularization were evaluated by histology and retina mounts stained with isolectin B4 quantifying aberrant angiogenesis. The expressions of estrogen receptor-α(ER-α), estrogen receptor-β (ER-β) and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor1 (GPER1) were investigated using immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence.
Results :
All types of ERs were expressed in human retina without gender difference (P>0.05). Both ER-α and ER-β expressed on the retinal microvascular endothelial cells, however, GPER1 expressed on retina ganglion cells (RGCs). E2 inhibited the pathological neovascularization while promoting the physical neovascularization in a dose dependent manner. This effect could be blocked by tamoxifen (P<0.05). PHTPP could promote the pathological neovascularization (P<0.05).
Conclusions :
All types of ERs were expressed in human or murine retina. Our results suggested that E2 might play an important role in retinal neovascularization.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.