[Changes of expression of HIF-1alpha in the human retinal pigment epithelium induced by hypoxia].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of HIF-1alpha in human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) induced by hypoxia at different time points and to study the mechanism of choroidal neovascularization.

METHODS

hRPE were isolated, cultured and identified. The changes of level of mRNA and protein of HIF-1alpha in hRPE at different time points after exposed to hypoxia were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence techniques.

RESULTS

A significant increase of HIF-1alpha level in cultured hRPE was induced by hypoxia. After 8 hours exposed to hypoxia, the level of HIF-1alpha in the hRPE reached a peak and sustained for more than 16 hours. After a prolonged exposure to hypoxia, the morphology of hRPE began to change and the HIF-1alpha level was decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of HIF-1alpha in hRPE rises obviously after exposed to hypoxia. This may play a role in the occurrence of choroidal neovascularization.