In "wet" macular degeneration, capillaries form below the weakened retina and leak blood and fatty materials, leading to vision loss. One treatment for this condition is injection of a VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)inhibitor directly into the affected eye areas. How would this treat the condition?
A)VEGF signals for blood vessel breakdown. Blocking VEGF will prevent the capillaries from becoming weak and leaking.
B)VEGF stimulates the endothelium of arteries to secrete nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle surrounding the capillary. Blocking VEGF prevents the capillaries from relaxing and allowing blood to leak out.
C)VEGF inhibits capillary growth. Blocking release of VEGF will allow new, stronger capillaries to form in the eye and stop leaks.
D)VEGF stimulates growth of capillaries. Blocking VEGF will stop weak, leaky capillaries from growing in the eye.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

VEGF stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, including the weak, leaky capillaries associated with wet macular degeneration. By inhibiting VEGF, the treatment aims to prevent the formation of these problematic vessels, thereby addressing the root cause of the condition.

In "Wet" Macular Degeneration, Capillaries Form Below the Weakened Retina