Role of growth factors in the uveal tract of the eye as targeted to the development of new drugs
Journal Article (Review;Journal)
The uveal tract of the eye, which consists of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, is responsible for the primary nutritional supply of the ocular structures, especially the retina and, through the production of aqueous and vitreous humors, for nourishment of avascular intraocular structures such as the lens, cornea, and trebecular meshwork. The growth factors that have been detected in the uveal tract include fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, transferrin, transforming growth factor‐β, nerve growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and insulin‐like growth factors. These mitogens in the uveal tract influence the metabolism and proliferative activity of intraocular structures, and have major implications for the health and disease of the eye. We discuss the possible therapeutic role of growth factors, as well as the prospects for, and hurdles in, drug development for their use in various ocular disorders such as degenerative and proliferative diseases, neovascularization, glaucoma, ocular ischemic syndromes, cataract, neoplasms, and wound healing well as in the modulation of HLA‐DR expression. Copyright © 1991 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Tripathi, RC; Fekrat, S; Tripathi, BJ; Borisuth, NSC
Published Date
- January 1, 1991
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 23 / 1
Start / End Page
- 1 - 25
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1098-2299
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0272-4391
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1002/ddr.430230102
Citation Source
- Scopus