Crosstalk in the Retinal Neurovascular Unit – Lessons for the Diabetic Retina

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy shares important features with neurodegenerative retinal diseases, including loss of ganglion cells and retinal thinning. The impact on vasoregression and subsequent ischemia-driven changes such as macular edema and proliferative retinopathy are not established. Studies using adult neurodegenerative animal models such as the transgenic TGR(CMV-PKD2_(1/703)HA) rat imply early activation of the innate immunity system and the complement system as well as microglia playing a role in the damage of the retinal neurovascular unit.

Key words

diabetes - oxidative stress - neuropathy - reknopathy

• References

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