Methallothionein-3 contributes to vascular endothelial growth factor induction in a mouse model of choroidal neovascularization

In the present study, we investigated possible roles of the zinc (Zn)-binding protein metallothionein-3 (MT3) and cellular Zn in a mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using wildtype (WT) and MT3-knockout (KO) mice. Quantitative RT-PCR was used for the detection of MT3 mRNA. CNV was induced in mice between 8 and 12 weeks of age by disrupting the Bruch's membrane using an argon laser. Fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (FA) were performed 2 weeks following laser photocoagulation. The possible connection between MT3 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was explored by quantifying VEGF levels in WT and MT3-KO mouse retinas by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The role of Zn in VEGF expression was tested in WT and MT3-KO cells treated with pyrithione, with or without additional Zn, using immunoblotting and fluorescence photomicrography. Following laser-treatment, MT3-KO mice exhibited substantially smaller areas of CNV compared to WT mice. In addition, retinal angiograms revealed less severe fluorescein leakage in MT3-KO mice than in WT mice. On day 14 following the induction of CNV, VEGF expression was markedly increased in WT mice, but remained unchanged in MT3-KO mice. Consistent with the possible involvement of Zn released from MT3, raising intracellular Zn levels increased VEGF levels and activated its receptor, Flk-1, in both WT and MT3-KO retinal cells. Present results demonstrated that neural retinal cells express high levels of MT3, which might play a role in the process of CNV development. Moreover, Zn released from MT3 may contribute to VEGF induction.