Increased Cytokine Gene Expression in Rat Retina following Transient Ischemia

Authors:
  • NYNagahisa Yoshimura
    Nagahisa Yoshimura
  • YHYoshihito Honda
    Yoshihito Honda
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Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene expression in rat retina following transient ischemia was studied by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Gene expression for other cytokines was also studied by RT-PCR. Although very little expression for TNF gene was detected in normal retina, it was markedly increased 0.5-48 h after reperfusion, with peak expression at 12 h (20-fold of control). Gene expression for interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and transforming growth factor-β1 was also increased. The results provide evidence that retinal ischemia can up-regulate cytokine gene expression in the retina.