Circulating endothelial progenitor cells are reduced in rat oxygen-induced retinopathy despite a retinal SDF-1/CXCR4 and VEGF proangiogenic response

The decrease in circulating EPCs could be implied in vessel growth arrest during normal retinal development in OIR rats, while pro-angionenic signals released by Müller cells in the hypoxic retina could drive pathological neovascularization in the ischemic retina. These data warrant further studies to investigate new therapeutic approaches for ROP.