[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.