Thrombotic Microangiopathy and Acute Kidney Injury Induced After Intravitreal Injection of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors VEGF Blockade-Related TMA After Intravitreal Use.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition can cause worsening hypertension, proteinuria, chronic kidney injury, and glomerular disease. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and other nephrotic disorders have been reported with systemic VEGF blockade. These same agents are given intravitreally for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), albeit at lower doses than those given for systemic indications.

General pathophysiology of macular edema.

Macular edema represents a common final pathway for many ocular diseases. Related ocular disorders include diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusions, postsurgical situations, and uveitic diseases. The key pathophysiologic process is a breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, normally preventing water movement in the retina, thus allowing fluid to accumulate in the retinal tissue via special water fluxes.

Long-term therapy for herpes retinitis in an animal model with high-concentrated liposome-encapsulated HPMPC.

Objective: To evaluate(s)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonyl methoxypropyl) cytosine (HPMPC), a potent antiherpes and anticytomegalovirus drug, as a long-term treatment of experimental retinitis in rabbits.

Methods: The drug was first encapsulated into a liposome delivery system in three different concentrations and injected intravitreally. Sequentially, the highest concentration that was shown to be nontoxic to the retina was evaluated in a model of retinitis at 60, 90, 120, 170, and 240 days, after which herpes simplex virus type 1 was inoculated onto the retinal surface.

Reversal of the physiological effects of monocular deprivation in adult dark-reared cats.

If kittens are dark-reared for 4 months and subsequently monocularly sutured, cells in area 17 become dominated by the experienced eye. We now find that the effects of monocular deprivation in adult dark-reared cats can be reversed by suturing the experienced eye and allowing the cat to use the deprived eye, an effect that has previously been shown only in young kittens. The presence of continuous or nearly continuous visual experience during infancy is required for the critical period to exhaust itself--brief periods of visual experience will not suffice.