Neuroprotection as a Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Retinopathy

Figure 1

Possible role of VEGF in early DR. Under diabetic stress, VEGF would be immediately released by neurons and by Müller cells, which perhaps receive stimulation by the VEGF of neuronal origin. In the nonproliferative phase of DR (NPDR), released VEGF would act on retinal neurons as a neuroprotectant, while it would also bind to its receptors on endothelial cells. A prolonged interaction of VEGF with endothelial cells would lead to the proliferative phase of DR (PDR).