Expression of the IGF system in normal and diabetic transgenic (mRen-2)27 rat eye

Abstract

PURPOSE. In the present study, a recently described model of diabetic eye disease was used to investigate the distribution of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in the eyes of transgenic (mRen-2)27 rats (exhibiting hypertension and elevated serum and ocular renin levels) with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. METHODS. Female transgenic (mRen-2)27 rats were randomized to receive either streptozotocin (diabetic) or citrate buffer (control). After 10 months, the rats were killed and the eyes fixed and embedded in paraffin. In situ hybridization (ISH) was used to document the cellular distribution of mRNAs for components of the IGF system (IGF-I, IGF-I receptor [IGFIR] and IGF binding pr..