Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Is Associated With Sprouting Angiogenesis in the Murine Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Model

Abstract

Our data delimitate specific temporal windows during CNV initiation, propagation, maturation, and even recovery in experimental CNV. We show that murine CNV undergoes hypoxia-associated sprouting angiogenesis, and demonstrate involvement of pericytes. Moreover, we have shown expression of HIF-1α to the retinal pigment epithelium surrounding the CNV lesions, together with VEGF upregulation, independently of the HSP response induced by the laser thermal insult.