The role of erythropoietin in physiological angiogenesis of the mouse retina

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent microvascular complication and it is characterized by increased vascular permeability, ischemia and neovascularization. Angiogenesis is modulated by growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-2. Recently, it is found that erythropoietin, besides neuroprotection, has angiogenic effects and its level is highly elevated in vitreous fluid of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, the role of erythropoietin in physiological angiogenesis of the retina and its cooperation with angiopoietin 2 remains unclear. Aim: Th…