Experimental retinal neovascularization induced by intravitreal tumors.

ABSTRACT

Adult rabbit retinal vessels underwent neovascularization in response to tumor implantation within the vitreous body. The neovascular response was presumably elicited by the tumor angiogenesis factor (TAF). The response of adult retinal vessels to an angiogenic stimulus raises the possibility that a similar substance may cause retinal neovascularization in humans, and that in normal conditions the vitreous may be able to suppress angiogenic activity.