Fluocinolone Inhibits VEGF Expression via Glucocorticoid Receptor in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial (ARPE-19) Cells and TNF-α-Induced Angiogenesis in Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether fluocinolone inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in a retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) and TNF-alpha-induced angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Methods: The dose-dependent effect of fluocinolone (0.0001-1 mu M) on VEGF secretion, VEGF mRNA expression, and cytotoxicity was determined in confluent monolayers of ARPE-19 cells using ELISA, RT-PCR, and MTT assay, respectively. The effect of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (RU486) on fluocinolone-mediated VEGF expression was determined. The effect of fluocinolone in inhibiting TNF-alpha-induced angiogenesis was determined using chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The dose-dependent effect of fluocinolone (0.0001-1 mu M) in inhibiting 1% serum-stimulated ARPE-19 cell proliferation was determined using BrdU labeling assay. Results: At concentrations devoid of cytotoxicity, fluocinolone inhibited VEGF secretion as well as mRNA expression in ARPE-19 cells. RU486 (1 mu M) treatment prevented inhibition of VEGF secretion and VEGF mRNA expression by fluocinolone (0.1 mu M). Fluocinolone (50 ng/egg) inhibited angiogenesis induced by TNF-alpha. The ARPE-19 cell proliferation was inhibited by fluocinolone in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: Fluocinolone inhibited VEGF expression in ARPE-19 cells via its glucocorticoid receptor activity. In addition, fluocinolone inhibited proliferation of ARPE-19 cells and TNF-alpha-induced angiogenesis in chorioallantoic membranes.