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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2012; 120(04): 199-201
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1304571
Mini-Review Series on Diabetes and its Complications
© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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

Y. Feng
1   Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
2   5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
,
S. Busch
2   5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
,
N. Gretz
3   Medical Research Center, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
,
S. Hoffmann
3   Medical Research Center, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
,
H.-P. Hammes
2   5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 20 January 2012
first decision 20 January 2012

accepted 30 January 2012

Publication Date:
08 March 2012 (online)

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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
 

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