Hyperoxia and glucocorticoid modify retinal vessel growth and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in newborn rabbits

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is characterized by inhibition of the growth of the retinal vessels and subsequent neovascularization. Pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoids are known to decrease growth and to suppress inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether hyperoxia and/or glucocorticoid affect the growth of the retinal vessels and the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). The following treatments were given to newborn rabbits during the rapid growth of retinal vessels: 1) placebo and room air (n = 14); 2) dexamethasone (Dx) at 1 mg/kg/d during d 3 to 8 and room air (n = 14); 3) placebo and 100% oxygen (d 3 to 7) (n = 14); 4) Dx and O2 (n = 16). On d 12, the eyes were studied for retinal vessel length and vascular surface area from India ink-perfused vessels. When indicated, retinas were harvested on d 7 and studied for the expression of IL-1ra mRNA using Northern blot analysis. Hyperoxia decreased the length and area of the retinal vessel complexes (p < 0.01) and induced neovascularization in three of eight animals (38%). Dx decreased the length and area (p < 0.01) and tended to increase the tortuosity of the retinal vessels. Dx did not potentiate the hyperoxia-induced suppression of retinal vessel growth and prevented the hyperoxia-induced neovascularization (p = 0.04). Hyperoxia inhibited the expression of IL-1ra mRNA, whereas Dx ameliorated the hyperoxia-induced suppression of IL-1ra. According to present results, glucocorticoid decreases the retinal vessel growth and may decrease the hyperoxia-induced neovascularization. We propose that immature and damaged retinal vessels are affected by pharmacologic dosage of glucocorticoid.