Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of severe visual deficits in children. This review focuses on the role of newly identified factors from retinal neurons, which through their opposing actions on vascular development contribute to ROP. These hypoxia-generated mediators include the Krebs cycle intermediate, succinate acting via GPR91, and the neuronal guidance molecule Semaphorin 3A.
Conclusion: Neuron-derived factors guide retinal vascularization and are major contributors to the pathogenesis of ROP.
© 2012 The Author(s)/Acta Paediatrica © 2012 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.