Colocalization of neuropilin-1 and Flk-1 in retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the mechanisms of the development of retinal neovascularization, the localizations of vascular endothelial (VEGF) receptors Flk-1 and neuropilin (NP)-1 mRNAs were examined.

METHODS: The model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was produced by ischemia-induced ocular neovascularization, by exposing postnatal day-7 mice to 75% oxygen for 5 days and then returning them to room air for 5 days. Retinal neovascularization was visualized by injection of fluorescein-dextran. Expression of Flk-1 and NP-1 mRNAs were examined by in situ hybridization with flatmount and serial sections of the retina. The localization of NP-1 was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Blood vessel patterns were characterized by immunohistochemical localization of von Willebrand factor (vWF).

RESULTS: Flatmount in situ hybridization showed intense expression of NP-1 and Flk-1 mRNAs colocalized in the area of neovascularization. In situ hybridization of serial sections of the retina revealed that expression of Flk-1 and NP-1 was restricted to neovascularized vessels of the retina from ROP mice.

CONCLUSIONS: The restricted expression of Flk-1 and NP-1 on neovascularized vessels suggests that these molecules may play important roles in retinal neovascularization. This is the first report of the colocalization of NP-1 and Flk-1 on neovascularized vessels of the retina from ROP mice.