Effects of Hypoxic Preconditioning and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on the Survival of Isolated Primary Retinal Ganglion Cells

This study aimed to investigate the effect of hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) on primary retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and associated mechanism, including role vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Retinas were separated from enucleated eyeballs Sprague–Dawley rats postnatal days 1–4. RGCs harvested using an immunopanning-magnetic separation system maintained for 24 h in a defined medium. Hypoxic damage (0.3% O2) was inflicted cells CO₂ chamber. Anti-VEGF antibody (bevacizumab) administered exposed conditions, RGC rate compared that non-anti-VEGF antibody-treated RGCs. HPC lasting 4 significantly increased rate. In conditions h, VEGF mRNA protein levels increased. Treatment with high dose bevacizumab (>1 mg/mL) countered HPC-mediated survival. Protein kinase B focal adhesion 4-h hypoxia-treated showed beneficial effects However, only specifically controlled exposure rendered neuroprotective effects. Strong inhibition inhibited These results indicate may play essential promoting under conditions.