The potential role of IGF-I receptor mRNA in rats with diabetic retinopathy
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Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Precise Visualization of Insulin Receptors A and B in Murine Brain with an RNA In Situ Hybridization Assay
Published on: July 15, 2025
Hongyu Kuang1, Wei Zou, Dan Liu
1Department of Endocrinology, First Clinical Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China. kuangzou@public.hr.hl.cn
Objective:
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.
Methods:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusion:
Increased IGF-IR mRNA might play an important role in the onset and development of diabetic retinopathy.
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