Detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase and vascular endothelial growth factor in choroidal neovascular membranes.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is among the cytokines which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). There is, however, evidence that intercellular signaling molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), are involved in this process. NO is synthesized via the inducible isoform of NO synthase (iNOS), which is expressed after induction by cytokines.