Chen JT, Liang JB, Chou CL, Shyu RC, Lu DW. Retinoic Acid Induces VEGF Gene Expression in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells (ARPE-19).
J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2005;
21:413-9. [PMID:
16386082 DOI:
10.1089/jop.2005.21.413]
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Abstract
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in response to retinoic acid (RA) in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.
METHODS
Expression of VEGF in human ARPE-19 cells was determined by a semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). mRNA stability was assessed after the administration of actinomycin D. The induction of the VEGF gene by various RAs was also determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR.
RESULTS
All-trans retinoic acid (atRA) time-dependently increased VEGF mRNA levels. The effect of atRA was dose-dependent in a range between 10(-7) M and 10(-6) M. Treatment with actinomycin D revealed that atRA induces the VEGF gene at the transcriptional level. Of the various RAs tested, atRA was the most potent inducer of the VEGF gene.
CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrated that atRA stimulates the induction of the VEGF gene in ARPE-19 cells, suggesting a novel pathway for the development of age-related macular degeneration.
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