Vascular endothelial growth factor acts as a survival factor for newly formed retinal vessels and has implications for retinopathy of prematurity.
Nat Med
; 1(10): 1024-8, 1995 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-7489357
ABSTRACT
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is initiated by hyperoxia-induced obliteration of newly formed blood vessels in the retina of the premature newborn. We propose that vessel regression is a consequence of hyperoxia-induced withdrawal of a critical vascular survival factor. We show that regression of retinal capillaries in neonatal rats exposed to high oxygen, is preceded by a shut-off of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by nearby neuroglial cells. Vessel regression occurs via selective apoptosis of endothelial cells. Intraocular injection of VEGF at the onset of experimental hyperoxia prevents apoptotic death of endothelial cells and rescues the retinal vasculature. These findings provide evidence for a specific angiogenic factor acting as a vascular survival factor in vivo. The system also provides a paradigm for vascular remodelling as an adaptive response to an increase in oxygen tension and suggests a novel approach to prevention of ROP.
Buscar no Google
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Retina
/
Vasos Retinianos
/
Retinopatia da Prematuridade
/
Fatores de Crescimento Endotelial
/
Linfocinas
Limite:
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Newborn
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Nat Med
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
MEDICINA
Ano de publicação:
1995
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Israel