Effects of high levels of glucose and insulin on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in cultured retinal Müller cells in vitro

Objective To investigate the changes of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in cultured rabbit retinal Muller cells at high glucose and different insulin concentrations in vitro. Methods Immunocytochemical method, in situ hybridization and ELISA were used to assay the change of VEGF expression in cultured Muller cells in vitro at different i nsulin concentrations in qualitative and quantitative ways. Results VEGF expression at transcription was enhanced markedly by the high level s of glucose and insulin. The effect of high glucose on Muller cells was time- and dose-dependent. Conclusions VEGF expression in cultured Muller cells in vitro can be enhanced at high levels of glucose and insulin. T he increased VEGF expression of Muller cells maybe plays a potential role in ne ovascularization of diabetic retinopathy.