Fig. 2.

Vhl deletion in myeloid cells ameliorates neovascular responses in early OIR in association with improved astrocytic network. a Representative pictures of flat-mounted retinas from Vhl^MCΔ/Δ and control mice at P13 after OIR. b Reduced neovascular area (by 65%, yellow depicted area) was determined in Vhl^MCΔ/Δ retinas when compared with controls, whereas the avascular area remain unchanged (white depicted area). c Increased astrocytic coverage (GFAP-positive area) was detected in Vhl^MCΔ/Δ whole retinas at P13 after OIR (1.5-fold increase, quantified within green depicted area). d, e Higher magnification images showing improved density and organization of the astrocytic network in the avascular (d) and sprouting area (e) of Vhl^MCΔ/Δ retinas. Inset in e shows representative ramified, lectin-positive myeloid cell. f Non-activated, ramified myeloid cells were enriched in the sprouting front of Vhl^MCΔ/Δ retinas. Scale bars: 0.5 mm (a), 125 µm (d), 43.75 µm (e) n = 9–10 per group. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. Statistical analysis was performed by two-sided Mann–Whitney test, *p < 0.05