COX-2 inhibition and retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

PURPOSE. The prostaglandin-cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway influences new blood vessel growth in a variety of tissues. This study was conducted to determine the cellular location of COX-2 in the retina and whether the inhibition of COX-2 would reduce retinal angiogenesis in a rodent model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS. ROP was induced in C57BL/6 mice by exposing 7-day-old mice to 75% oxygen (hyperoxia) for 5 days followed by 5 days in room air (relative hypoxia and retinal angiogenesis). Normal mice were those with a normally developing retinal vasculature exposed to room air from birth until postnatal day (P)17. The COX-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib (15 mg/kg body weight intraperitonea..