Two ER-stress genes, Grp78 (P = 0.01) and Grp94 (P = 0.01), were significantly up-regulated in CD59aKO retinas (A). Neurotrophic factor genes, Fgf2 (P<0.01) and Vegf (P = 0.03), also were significantly up-regulated in CD59aKO retinas (B). mRNA levels were also measured for three members of the neuropoietic cytokine family known to have retinal neuroprotective effects: ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). mRNA levels for all three factors appeared lower in CD59aKO relative to WT retinas, with significant differences in IL-6 (P<0.01) and LIF (P<0.001) expression (C). Data are expressed as means ± SD. N = 4.