Induction of Angiogenic Cytokine Expression in Cultured RPE by Ingestion of Oxidized Photoreceptor Outer Segments

Abstract

Ingestion by RPE of oxidized bovine POS stimulates expression of the chemotactic and angiogenic factors IL-8 and MCP-1 that have the capability to promote angiogenesis directly, or indirectly through the accumulation of immune cells such as macrophages, which themselves may release angiogenic promoters and degrade Bruch's membrane. This may be of significance in the development of exudative AMD.