ObjectiveTo investigate the expression and relation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in rats with diabetic retinopathy.MethodFifty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group (10 rats), and 1, 3, and 5-month-diabetes group (15 rats in each diabetes group), and the diabetic models were set up. The expressions of VEGF and bFGF were detected by situ hybridation and immunohistochemistry on retinal paraffin sections.ResultsThe results of situ hybridation showed that expression of bFGF was found in 3-month-deatbtes group with the percentage of 77.8%, and 88.9% in 5-month-deatbtes group; the positive expression of VEGF was not found in 3-month-deatbtes group but in 5-month-deatbtes group with the percentage of 66.7%. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the positive expression of bFGF started in 3-month-deatbtes group with the percentage of 55.6%, and 88.9% in 5-month-deatbtes group; the percentage of the expression of VEGF was 33.3% in 3-month-deatbtes group and 88.9% in 5-month-deatbtes group.ConclusionThe expression of VEGF occurs after the expression of bFGF in rats with DR.(Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2005,21:37-40)