Abstract
Purpose::
VEGF is an important factor for development of CNV in AMD. Recently, breaks of Bruchs membrane have been thought to be a prerequisite for the formation of CNV. This study aims to elucidate whether high VEGF-levels alone correlate with the presence of exsudative AMD compared to the dry variant.
Methods::
Aqueous humor and vitreous samples of healthy controls, and with dry or wet AMD were collected in the course of cataract surgery or vitreoretinal surgery. Sandwich ELISA for VEGF was performed on all samples and correlated to fundus aspects in flourescence angiography and fundus photography.
Results::
VEGF levels of eyes with aspects of wet AMD in angiography were elevated compared to healthy controls. First experiments did not reveal significant elevations of VEGF levels in dry AMD.
Conclusions::
VEGF levels were elevated in wet forms of AMD. Further studies are needed to differentiate whether elevated VEGF-levels in wet AMD are the primary reason for formation of CNV, or whether a combination of VEGF and damage to Bruchs membrane are prerequisites for choroidal neovascularization.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • cytokines/chemokines