Neurovascular Interaction and the Pathophysiology of Diabetic Retinopathy. (21st February 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qian, Haohua; Ripps, Harris
• Other Names: Lernmark Åke Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Experimental diabetes research. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-02-21
• Subjects: Diabetes -- Research -- Periodicals; Diabetes -- Research; Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/693426
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-5214

Abstract

Abstract : Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most severe of the several ocular complications of diabetes, and in the United States it is the leading cause of blindness among adults 20 to 74 years of age. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of DR, there is a pressing need to develop novel therapeutic treatments that are both safe and efficacious. In the present paper, we identify a key mechanism involved in the development of the disease, namely, the interaction between neuronal and vascular activities. Numerous pathological conditions in the CNS have been linked to abnormalities in the relationship between these systems. We suggest that a similar situation arises in the diabetic retina, and we propose a logical strategy aimed at therapeutic intervention.