Upregulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract

Progression of PDR is distinguished by a sustained, upregulated expression of VEGF by the neurosensory retina. Cells in all retina layers can potentially contribute to augmented VEGF production. The restricted population of VEGF producing cells in each case is likely to represent cells residing in ischaemic regions of the retina. Thus, VEGF may function as a linking factor between retinal ischaemia and PDR associated neovascularisation.