RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Intracrine Biology: An Hypothesis JF Ochsner Journal JO Ochsner J FD O. P. Jindal Global University SP 502 OP 510 VO 16 IS 4 A1 Richard N. Re YR 2016 UL http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/16/4/502.abstract AB This laboratory has studied the intracellular actions of angiotensin II and other signaling proteins that can act in the intracellular space—peptides/proteins we have called intracrines. Moreover, we have suggested that general principles of intracrine action exist and can help explain the progression of some chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetic nephropathy and congestive heart failure. Here, a similar analysis is carried out in the case of age-related macular degeneration. We propose that intracrine mechanisms are operative in this disorder. In particular, we hypothesize that intracrine loops involving renin, angiotensin II, transforming growth factor-beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein-4, and p53, among other factors, are involved. If this analysis is correct, it suggests a commonality of mechanism linking chronic progressive renal diseases, congestive heart failure, and macular degeneration.