Background: The inhibitory effects of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) on retinal neovascularization were observed in a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy.
Methods: PEDF was administered via intravitreal injection into the right eye of mice subjected to hyperoxia. The proliferative neovascular response was assessed by evaluating the vascular pattern in retinal flat-mounts and quantified by counting the number of new vascular cell nuclei extending into the internal limiting membrane. Retinas were stained for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), PEDF, and CD31 with immunohistochemical method.
Results: The effect of PEDF on retinal neovascularization is related to the postnatal age at the time of injection and the number of injections. The injection of 2 µg of PEDF at postnatal day 12 (P12) and P14 markedly inhibited retinal neovascularization.
Conclusion: Locally administered PEDF is a potentially effective vascular inhibitory factor for the treatment and prevention of retinopathy of prematurity.
Keywords: pigment epithelium-derived factor; retinal neovascularization; retinopathy of prematurity.