INTEGRIN CHATTER AND VASCULAR FUNCTION IN DIABETIC-RETINOPATHY

The interplay between adhesion receptors and proteolytic cascades is c rucial for cell proliferation and migration in the (patho-)physiology of vascular function, Disregulated angiogenesis in diabetic retinopath y appears to be associated with the appearance of advanced glycation e nd products that disturb interactions between capillary cells and extr acellular matrix. Vitronectin receptor-type integrins are expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells and contribute to unwanted vascular spro uting in the retinal tissue, In a hypoxia-induced retinal neovasculari zation model, intervention with low molecular weight integrin antagoni st resulted in significant reduction of unwanted angiogenesis indicati ng that this angiostatic therapy appears to be promising also for late complications in diabetes.