AIM: To explore the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in an animal model of oxygen-induced retino-pathy of prematurity(ROP).·METHODS: An animal model of oxygen-induced ROP was established,Western-blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of HIF-1α in retinae ,and the picture was analyzed by computer image analysis meter,ELISA was performed to detect the expression of VEGF in retinae.·RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, the expression of HIF-1α gradually increased in retinae in the fifth day,the tenth day,and the fifteenth day in hypoxia condition in the oxygen-induced rats(P<0.01), in an dose-dependent manner. The expression of VEGF was respectively 381.5±3.1,431.8±1.3 and 443.9±1.2ng/L in retinae in the fifth day,the tenth day,and the fifteenth day in hypoxia condition in the oxygen-induced rats. Com-pared with normal control group, the expression of VEGF in all experimented groups was significantly increased(P<0.01).·CONCLUSION: The expression of HIF-1α and VEGF is up-regulated in the oxygen-induced ROP.