[Changes of expression of HIF-1alpha in the human retinal pigment epithelium induced by hypoxia].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of HIF-1alpha in human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) induced by hypoxia at different time points and to study the mechanism of choroidal neovascularization.


METHODS
hRPE were isolated, cultured and identified. The changes of level of mRNA and protein of HIF-1alpha in hRPE at different time points after exposed to hypoxia were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence techniques.


RESULTS
A significant increase of HIF-1alpha level in cultured hRPE was induced by hypoxia. After 8 hours exposed to hypoxia, the level of HIF-1alpha in the hRPE reached a peak and sustained for more than 16 hours. After a prolonged exposure to hypoxia, the morphology of hRPE began to change and the HIF-1alpha level was decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
The level of HIF-1alpha in hRPE rises obviously after exposed to hypoxia. This may play a role in the occurrence of choroidal neovascularization.
Li
Guang-Yu
GY
Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China. liguangyu_box@yahoo.com.cn
Fan
Bin
B
Wu
Ya-Zhen
YZ
Wang
Xin-Rui
XR
Wang
Yao-Hui
YH
Wu
Jia-Xiang
JX
D015687:Cell Hypoxia; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization; D006801:Humans; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit