[High-dose glucose induces human retinal endothelial cell apoptosis].

Objective: To examine the direct effect of high glucose levels on primary cultured human retinal capillary endothelial cells (HRCEC).
Methods: HRCECs were isolated from donated eyes and cultured for 6 days in the media containing 5 or 25 mmol/L glucose. The cell viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion assay and cell cycle analyzed by flow cytometry, with the cell apoptosis assayed by TUNEL method.
Results: The cell viability was significantly decreased after exposure to 25 mmol/L glucose, and the number of apoptotic cells determined by flow cytometry and TUNEL was significantly increased in response to high-dose glucose treatment.
Conclusion: High-dose glucose induces apoptosis in HRCEC, which may contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy.