·AIM:To observe the effects of candesartan on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and monocyte chemotactic protein(MCP-1)in the retina of diabetic rats.METHODS:Diabetes models were established in 36 SD rats by the injection of streptozotocinum(STZ)40mg/kg with blood glucose>16.7mmol/L on the third day.Then successful model rats were randomly divided into diabetes model group,candesartan treatment group.Another 18 normal SD rats were recruited as normal control group.Every group was divided into three groups for 4,8,12 weeks.The expression of VEGF,MCP-1 protein in retina was detected by immunochemistry.RESULTS:The expression of VEGF and MCP-1 protein in retina of diabetes model group and candesartan treatment group was significantly higher than that of normal control group(P<0.05),the expression of VEGF,MCP-1 in candesartan treatment group was lower than diabetes model group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Candesartan injected intraperitoneally decreases the expression of VEGF and MCP-1 in retina of diabetic rats so that partly suppresses the development of diabetic retinopathy.