Mineralocorticoids restore quiescent morphology and reduce VEGF receptor expression in inflamed choroidal endothelial cells in vitro

  • Ophthalmic Res. 2009;41(1):44-52. doi: 10.1159/000164799.
Melinda Fitzgerald  1 ,  Lauren Evill ,  Kelly Banz ,  Simon Carroll ,  Jennifer Rodger
Affiliations
  • 1. School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia. [email protected]
PMID: 18946227 DOI: 10.1159/000164799
Abstract

Background/aims: While the glucocorticoid triamcinolone acetonide (9alpha-fluoro-16alpha-hydroxyprednisolone, TA) has been widely administered as a treatment of ocular inflammation, mineralocorticoids have not been tested for their efficacy.

Methods: We assessed cellular morphology and actin distribution by immunomicroscopy and light microscopy, membrane permeability with transendothelial resistance and cell surface vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF-R1) expression by flow cytometry.

Results: Fludrocortisone acetate was more effective than TA in restoring quiescent morphology and reducing membrane permeability in phorbol-12-myristate-acetate (PMA)-stimulated choroidal endothelial cells (CECs). Each of the corticosteroids inhibited VEGF-R1 cell surface expression in PMA-responsive CECs.

Conclusion: Mineralocorticoids may be of potential use in reducing vascular permeability in ocular disease.

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