Neural Degeneration in the Retina of the Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Model

Figure 3

Model of retinal neural degeneration and visual impairment in the STZ-induced diabetes model mouse. Cross-talk between AT1R signaling and ROS is involved in the neural degeneration of the diabetic retina. Downstream of both these effectors, ERK activation reduces synaptophysin, while ROS also decrease BDNF. These changes impair visual function most probably through synaptic network abnormalities and neuronal apoptosis. AT1R, angiotensin II type 1 receptor; ROS, reactive oxygen species; BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor.