The potential role of IGF-I receptor mRNA in rats with diabetic retinopathy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>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.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Increased IGF-IR mRNA might play an important role in the onset and development of diabetic retinopathy.</p>