[Expression of insulin-like growth factor-I gene in normal and diabetic rat eye]

The expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) gene was studied in both normal and diabetic rat eyes via in situ hybridization. The results revealed the regional expression of IGF-I gene in the rat eyes. The expression of IGF-I mRNA in the internal nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer is strong, in choroid, retinal pigment epithelium and external nuclear layer is moderate, in sclera is weak in degree and no such mRNA is detected in the cornea. The abundance of IGF-I mRNA in diabetic eye tissues is significantly (P < 0.05 or P < or = 0.01) higher than that in normal eye. These findings suggest that (1) functionally, the eye ball be considered to be an "IGF-I paracrine-autocrine system", and (2) the high expression of IGF-I indicate its initiation of diabetic retinopathy and its promotion of the progression of the lesion.