VEGF and VEGF receptor levels in retinal and brain-derived endothelial cells.

Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific angiogenic and permeability-inducing factor that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. The objectives of this study are to compare VEGF and VEGF receptor expression between retinal and brain-derived endothelial cells cultured in 5 or 30mM glucose for 5 days. Our results show that expression of cell-surface VEGF receptors, assessed by flow cytometry, is higher in retinal-derived endothelial cells. RT-PCR results show that both retinal and brain-derived endothelial cells express comparable levels and types of VEGF. Exposure to 30mM glucose for 5 days did not alter levels of VEGF or VEGF receptors. The higher level of VEGF receptor expression in retinal endothelial cells suggests that the retinal microcirculation may be more sensitive to the effects of VEGF and this may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.