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Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents
Published on: September 16, 2020
Celecoxib attenuates retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy
Ningning Liu1, Lei Chen1, Na Cai1
1Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of Celecoxib on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF-1α) in a mouse model for oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). The OIR mice were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12, after which the mice were randomly assigned to two groups (Celecoxib and vehicle) and were brought to room air for additional five days. Celecoxib or vehicle was administered from P12 to P17. Age-matched mice maintained in room air from birth to P17 were administered vehicle from P12 to P17 (RA group). Blood vessel profiles in the retina were used to count by histologic methods. Retina protein and mRNA of VEGF and HIF-1α were assessed by immunohistochemistry, western-blot and RT-PCR. Compared with the RA group, the OIR mice exhibited over-expression in VEGF and HIF-1α mRNA and protein. In addition, they had a positive and spatial correlation. Celecoxib- treated OIR mice reduced the retinal neovascular tufts and the levels of VEGF and HIF-1α. These data suggest that Celecoxib inhibits retinal pathogenic angiogenesis through down-regulating HIF-1α expression which suppressing VEGF transcription. Celecoxib could potentially serve as a portent pharmaceutical agent to inhibit retinal angiogenesis.
Insights
Celecoxib effectively reduces retinal neovascularization by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF-1α) in a mouse model. This suggests Celecoxib
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) is a significant cause of vision impairment.
- Pathological retinal angiogenesis is driven by factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF-1α).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of Celecoxib in a mouse model of OIR.
- To determine Celecoxib's impact on VEGF and HIF-1α expression in OIR.
Main Methods:
- Established an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model.
- Administered Celecoxib or vehicle to OIR mice from postnatal day 12 to 17.
- Assessed retinal neovascularization, and protein/mRNA levels of VEGF and HIF-1α using histological, immunohistochemical, Western blot, and RT-PCR methods.
Main Results:
- OIR mice exhibited increased retinal neovascular tufts and elevated VEGF and HIF-1α expression compared to controls.
- Celecoxib treatment significantly reduced retinal neovascularization.
- Celecoxib administration downregulated both VEGF and HIF-1α expression in OIR mice.
Conclusions:
- Celecoxib inhibits pathogenic retinal angiogenesis by suppressing HIF-1α expression, which in turn reduces VEGF transcription.
- Celecoxib demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting retinal angiogenesis.
