Dynamic changes of activator protein 1 and collagen I expression in the sclera of myopia guinea pigs.

Aim: To investigate the dynamic changes of activator protein 1 (AP1) and collagen I expression in the sclera of form-deprivation myopic model in guinea pigs.

Methods: A form-deprivation myopic model in guinea pigs were established with the left eye covered for 2 to 6wk (FDM group). Normal control group (=25) were untreated. Changes in refractive power and axial length (AL) were measured and recorded at different time points. Expressions of AP1 and collagen 1 of the sclera were measured with Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The relationship between AP1 and collagen I levels was analyzed.

Results: After 0, 2, 4, 6wk, and 4/-1wk of form-deprivation, the diopter in the FDM group was gradually changed (2.08±0.31, -1.23±0.68, -4.17±0.58, -7.07±0.55, and -2.67±0.59 D, respectively, <0.05), and the AL was gradually increased (5.90±0.38, 6.62±0.37, 7.30±0.35, 7.99±0.31, and 6.97±0.32 mm, respectively, <0.05). With the prolongation of covered time, the protein expressions of AP1 and collagen I in the FDM group were gradually down-regulated (all <0.05); the mRNA expressions of them were also gradually down-regulated (all <0.05); and there was positive correlation between them. The control group had no obvious change in each index (all >0.05).

Conclusion: AP1 may be an important transcription factor involved in the regulation of collagen I synthesis and degradation during myopic scleral remodeling.