[Effects of high concentrations insulin on VEGF expression in cultured Müller cells].

Objective: To investigate the effects of high concentrations of insulin on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cultured rabbit retinal Müller cells.

Methods: Immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization and the ELISA method were used to study the effects of different concentrations of insulin on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cultured rabbit retinal Müller cells qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results: VEGF expression was enhanced obviously by the insulin, which regulated the expression of VEGF at the transcription level.

Conclusions: VEGF expression in cultured Müller cells can be enhanced by high concentrations of insulin. Müller cells play a potential role in the development of neovascularization of diabetic retinopathy.