[Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors (flt-1) in morbid human corneas and investigation of its clinic importance].

Purpose: To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (flt-1) in morbid corneas and the potential effects.

Methods: Eleven cases of normal peripheral corneas and limbal tissues and 32 cases of miscellaneous morbid corneas were collected during corneal transplantation. The specimens were sectioned in a cryostat and stained with streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method for VEGF and flt-1.

Protection of retinal ganglion cells against glaucomatous neuropathy by neurotrophin-producing, genetically modified neural progenitor cells in a rat model.

Objective: To investigate in vivo survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after partial blockage of optic nerve (ON) axoplasmic flow by sub-retinal space or vitreous cavity injection of brain-derived neural factor (BDNF) produced by genetically modified neural progenitor cells (NPCs).

Methods: Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat RGCs were labeled with granular blue (GB) applied to their main targets in the brain. Seven days later, the left ON was intra-obitally crushed with a 40 g power forceps to partially block ON axoplasmic flow.