The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in physiological angiogenesis

Question: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine. Recent studies suggest a role for MIF as an angiogenic factor activating and recruiting endothelial cells. The mouse retina is a well established model to study physiological angiogenesis. However, no studies have been performed yet aiming at the role of MIF. We investigate the role of MIF in the development of the retinal vasculature in the mouse. Methods: MIF-knockout mice and C57BL/6 mice as wildtype (WT) were used. Retinal whole-mount immunofluorescence stainings for lectin and collagen IV were performed to anal…