The potential role of IGF-I receptor mRNA in rats with diabetic retinopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the potential role of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor mRNA (IGF-IR mRNA) in the onset and development of retinopathy in diabetic rats.


METHODS
A diabetic model was duplicated in Wistar rats. The early changes in the retina were examined using light and transmission electron microscopy. Expression of IGF-IR mRNA was analyzed using in situ hybridization.


RESULTS
Weak expression of IGF-IR mRNA (5%) was found in retinas of normal rats, but was significantly increased (15% and 18%) in the retinas of diabetic rats after 3 and 6 months of diabetes (P < 0.01). In situ hybridization and morphological study demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between IGF-IR mRNA expression and retinal changes at various stages.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased IGF-IR mRNA might play an important role in the onset and development of diabetic retinopathy.
Kuang
Hongyu
H
Department of Endocrinology, First Clinical Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China. kuangzou@public.hr.hl.cn
Zou
Wei
W
Liu
Dan
D
Shi
Rongxing
R
Cheng
Lihua
L
Yin
Huiqing
H
Liu
Xiaomin
X
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000209:etiology*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1 / Q000235:genetics*; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1