Quantitative PCR analysis of FosB mRNA expression after short duration oxygen and light stress

Abstract

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was used to examine changes in FosB mRNA expression in models of oxygen and light stress to the retina. C57BL/6 mice or Sprague-Dawley (SD) albino rats were subjected to several experimental paradigms: short-term light or oxygen stress, extended hyperoxia (75% oxygen), or a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Control animals were subjected to room air and 5 lux cyclic light. FosB expression dramatically increases in response to light stress as well as in a model of OIR, but not in response to sustained 75% oxygen. These data suggest that both hypoxia and light stress induce expression of FosB in the retina.