VEGF Growth in response to IGF-1 stimulation

CELLULAR RELEASE OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR (VEGF) IN RESPONSE TO INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR (IGF-1) STIMULATION
David Morrison, M.D.
Vanderbilt University Department of Ophthalmology

In children born premature, especially less than 30 weeks, there is a significant risk of the child losing some vision due to the abnormal development of their immature retinal vasculature. VEGF, or vascular endothelial growth factor, is one of probably many factors that stimulate vessel growth and development. VEGF has been shown to be elevated in ROP, or retinopathy of prematurity, and this elevation may contribute to abnormal vasculature development and risk loss of vision.

Dr. Lois Smith recently published an article showing that IGF-1 is decreased in the preterm infant, as this is a placentally produced product. In addition, lower IGF levels were associated with a higher risk of ROP. This project attempts to better characterize VEGF response to IGF in cultured cells that are thought to be involved in vascular development, specifically Muller cells and retinal astrocytes. These cells will be cultured in normal oxygen tension and hypoxia or reduced oxygen with varying concentrations of IGF and then VEGF will be measured. The treatment of ROP is surgical, involving laser and more extensive retinal techniques. The goal of this project and others like it is to provide information on what stimulates these immature retinal vessels to develop abnormally. If this is understood, then perhaps a medical treatment can be developed resulting in better vision in a higher number of premature children.