Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the Sp1 and VEGF mRNA expression in the retina micrangium endothelial cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. At the end of our study, we determined that SP1 positive expression rate and the Sp1, VEGF mRNA and protein expression in the retina micrangium endothelial cells in isolated rat eyes of diabetic rats were significantly increased compared to normal animals. The ERK, Sp1 and VEGF protein expression in the retina micrangium endothelial cells of diabetic rats was significantly decreased in high-surcose (Sp1 specific inhibitor Mithramycin A or ERK specific inhibitor PD98059) culture group in comparison to normal (vechile PBS) culture group. These findings suggest that ERK, Sp1 and VEGF protein expression is an important factor to affect the occurrence and development of vision diseases in diabetic patients.

Key words: Sp1, VEGF, PCR, Retina, Immunohistochemistry