ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the expression and significance of hypoxia-inducible factor -1α (HIF-1α)and Cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) in the retinal neovascularization.METHODS: Mouse model of hyperoxia-induced ischemic retinopathy were established. A novel flucorescein-dextran perfusion method has been developed to assess the vascular pattern. histological methods were used to count blood vessel profiles in the inner retina with HE staining.HIF-1α and COX-2 expression in the retina was determined by immunohistochemical method.RESULTS: Lots of neovascularization were seen in hyperoxia group. The number of nuclei of proliferative retinal vessels increased significantly as compared with normal control group (P＜0.001). The expression of HIF -1α was noted in the ganglion cells and retinal blood vessels. The expression of COX-2 was noted in the inner nuclear layer and ganglion cells and retinal blood vessels.CONCLUSION: There are the expression of HIF-1α and COX-2 in the retinal neovascularization and they have correlation.