Tacrolimus (FK506) prevents early retinal neovascularization in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

► Diabetic retinopathy has potential involvement of inflammatory in its pathogenesis. ► Tacrolimus could be effective against retinal changes in early diabetic mice. ► FK506 treatment significantly lowered retinal TNF-a, VEGF, iNOS and COX-2. ► FK506 suppressed diabetes-related neovascularization, activation of NF-kB. ► FK506 attenuates retinal inflammation and neovascularization in early diabetic mice.