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Updated: Aug 16, 2025
Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents
Published on: September 16, 2020
Expression of the neuroprotective factors BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in normal and oxygen induced retinopathy
Jifu Xin1, Yuhong He1, Kai Guo1
1Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China.
Introduction:
Oxygen-induced retinopathy is a type of retinal pathological neovascularization (NV) disease that leads to vision loss and translates to a significant societal cost. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and anti-inflammatory treatments have been widely used in the clinic, but the results have not been entirely satisfactory. It is necessary to explore other treatments for Ischemic retinal diseases.
Methods:
The oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model was induced from P7 to P12 as described. Histology evaluation (HE) and retina flat mounts were checked at P17 to confirm the establishment of the OIR model. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration was checked by transmission electron microscopy at P17 to confirm the neurological damage caused by OIR. Western blot analysis was performed at P12, P15, and P17 to study the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in normal and OIR mice. Comparative analysis of the expressions of BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in normal and OIR mice was performed.
Results:
There were many retinal NV and non-perfusion areas in OIR P17. RGCs were degenerated at OIR P17. The expressions of BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 gradually increased from P12 to P17 in normal mice and were much higher in OIR mice. The expression curves of BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in the OIR model were inconsistent and did not correlate with each other.
Discussion:
This study provides evidence for changes in BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in Oxygen-induced retinopathy.
Insights
This study investigated changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). OIR mice showed elevated levels of these factors compared to normal mice, suggesting their involvement in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) is a significant cause of vision loss due to pathological neovascularization.
- Current treatments like anti-VEGF and anti-inflammatory therapies show limitations.
- Exploring novel therapeutic targets for ischemic retinal diseases is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in a mouse model of OIR.
- To determine the correlation between these growth factors and retinal damage in OIR.
Main Methods:
- OIR model induced from P7 to P12.
- Histological evaluation and flat mounts to confirm OIR model.
- Transmission electron microscopy for Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) degeneration assessment.
- Western blot analysis to quantify BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 expression at different time points (P12, P15, P17).
Main Results:
- OIR model exhibited significant retinal neovascularization and non-perfusion areas.
- RGC degeneration was confirmed in OIR mice at P17.
- BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 expression levels were significantly higher in OIR mice compared to controls.
- The expression trends of BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 were inconsistent and not correlated with each other in the OIR model.
Conclusions:
- This study provides evidence for altered expression of BDNF, CNTF, and FGF-2 in oxygen-induced retinopathy.
- These neurotrophic factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of OIR.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific roles and therapeutic potential of these factors in ischemic retinal diseases.
