A mathematical model of growth factor induced capillary growth in the retina

Abnormal capillary growth in the retina has been recently associated with the presence of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The production of VEGF is a result of oxygen starvation in the retina, which can take place as a consequence of inadequate capillary growth in premature babies or clogged capillaries in diabetics. When VEGF levels rise, they trigger abnormal blood vessel growth across the retina, and may cause damage, and sometimes permanent loss of vision. In this paper, a mathematical model that examines the effects of VEGF on the growth of retinal capillaries is presented. The model directly relates the production of VEGF to oxygen consumption. The diffusion equations for the concentrations of oxygen and VEGF are solved, and the capillary growth is determined as a function of the oxygen and VEGF concentrations.