Features of Local Expression of Genes of Immune Response Cytokines and Trophic and Vasoregulatory Factors in Modeling of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Atrophy

Local expression of genes encoding IL-1β, IL-18, MCP-1/CCL2, PEDF, VEGF-A, and ZO-1 in the retina—retinal pigment epithelium—chorioidea tissue complex was studied in healthy rabbits and animals with simulated retinal pigment epithelium atrophy. Retinal pigment epithelium atrophy was modeled by single subretinal injection of 0.01 ml 0.9% NaCl (group 1; n =17) or 0.01 ml solution containing angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab in a dose of 0.025 mg (group 2; n =18). The gene expression was evaluated by reverse transcription PCR. In 27.7% cases, atrophic changes in the fundus were accompanied by a significant increase of IL-1β gene expression and in more than 50% cases by an increase in VEGF-A and MCP-1/CCL2 mRNA levels. These factors contribute to an increase in the permeability of the blood—retina barrier and abolition of the immune privilege of the posterior eye segment, which should be taken into account when testing invasive approaches, in particular, for approbation of various options of replacement therapy with retinal pigment epithelium stem cells and development and use of neuroprotectors and drugs of targeted action.