The number of cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL), retinal function (using electroretinography [ERG]), and retinal levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase2 (COX2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured at four months of diabetes. The gene discussed is PTGS2; the disease is diabetes mellitus.