AIM: To explore the effects of estrogen on the expression of pigment epithelium derived factor(PEDF)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the cultured rat retinal Müller cells under hypoxia.

METHODS: Effects of estrogen on the expression of PEDF and VEGF in the cultured rat retinal Müller cells were investigated with the methods of RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis.

RESULTS: The levels of PEDF mRNA and protein decreased and VEGF mRNA and protein increased when the Müller cells were under hypoxic condition for 24 hours. Estrogen had protective effect on Müller cells.

CONCLUSION: Estrogen can regulate the expression of PEDF which may play an important role on retinal neovascularization.