Effects of 530 nm monochromatic light on basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-ß1 expression in Müller cells.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To expose rat retinal Müller cells to 530 nm monochromatic light and investigate the influence of varying light illumination times on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) expression. METHODS: Three groups of rat retinal Müller cells cultured in vitro under a 530 nm monochromatic light were divided into 6, 12 and 24h experimental groups, while cells incubated under dark conditions served as the control group. The bFGF and TGF-ß1 mRNA expression, protein levels and fluorescence intensity of the Müller cells were analyzed. RESULTS: The bFGF mRNA expression and protein levels were significantly upregulated in Müller cells in all three experimental groups compared with the control group (P<0.05), while that of TGF-ß1 was downregulated (P<0.05). Also, bFGF expression was positively correlated, but TGF-ß1 expression was negatively correlated with illumination time. The largest changes for both cytokines were seen in the 24h group. The changes in bFGF and TGF-ß1 fluorescence intensity were highest in the 24h group, and significant differences were observed among the experimental groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The expressions of bFGF and TGF-ß1 changed in a time-dependent manner in Müller cells exposed to 530 nm monochromatic light with 250 lx illumination intensity. Müller cells might play a role in the development of myopia by increasing bFGF expression or decreasing TGF-ß1 expression. Changes in cytokine expression in retinal Müller cells may affect monochromatic light-induced myopia.