Ischemic Retinopathies: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Figure 1

The effects of oxidant stress on premature retinal vasculature. The premature retina is relatively deficient in antioxidants. Consequently, oxidant stress is more likely to induce peroxidation and nitration that is cytotoxic to retinal microvasculature. Downstream mediators of peroxidation, notably the phospholipids PAF and LPA, the nonenzymatically derived prostanoids, isoprostanes, and nitration products such as trans-arachidonic acids (TAAs), are all cytotoxic to retinovascular endothelium, causing vasoobliteration. PLD: phospholipase D; PLA₂: phospholipase A2; PM: plasma membrane; PGS: PG synthase; TXS: thromboxane synthase; TSP-1: thrombospondin-1.