Characterization of Azurocidin as a Permeability Factor in the Retina: Involvement in VEGF-Induced and Early Diabetic Blood-Retinal Barrier Breakdown

Abstract

Azurocidin increases retinal vascular permeability and is effectively blocked by aprotinin. The inhibition of VEGF-induced and early diabetic BRB breakdown with aprotinin indicates that azurocidin may be an important mediator of leukocyte-dependent BRB breakdown secondary to VEGF. Azurocidin may become a new therapeutic target in the treatment of retinal vascular leakage, such as during diabetic retinopathy.