Α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Protects Early Diabetic Retina from Blood-Retinal Barrier Breakdown and Vascular Leakage via MC4R

Abstract

This study showed previously undescribed protective effects of α-MSH on inhibiting BRB breakdown and vascular leakage, improving electrophysiological functions and morphology in early diabetic retinas, which may be due to its down-regulating pro-inflammatory factors and augmenting tight junctions. α-MSH acts predominantly on MC4R to antagonize hyperpermeability in retinal microvessel endothelial cells.