[The inhibitory effects of angiostatin on retinal neovascularization induced by oxygen]

To observe the inhibitory effects of angiostatin on microvascular endothelial cells of mouse retina and test the efficacy of native angiostatin in suppressing experimental retinal neovascularization induced by oxygen.

Angiostatin was purified with L-lysine Sepharose 4B from human plasma. The primary microvascular endothelial cells from rat retina were cultured. Microvascular endothelial cells growth inhibition assay was carried out with MTT method. Mouse models of hyperoxia-induced ischemic retinopathy were established. Angiostatin or normal saline (NS) were injected into the vitreous in 5 groups: normal, control and various doses. The nuclei of new vessel buds extending from the retina into the vitreous in different groups were counted and compared under the light microscope.

Angiostatin could inhibit the growth of microvascular endothelial cells from rat retina in vitro. There were plenty of new vessel buds in the eyes of all mice in hyperoxic condition. The number of the nuclei of new vesselbuds in the murine eyes with injection of angiostatin. They were reduced by 42% (P < 0.01), 57% (P < 0.01) and 82% (P < 0.01) respectively.

Angiostatin can powerfully inhibit growth of microvascular endothelial cells. The proliferation of retinal vessel may be suppressed by using angiostatin.