PLVAP and diabetic retinopathy: This is supported by observations under pathological conditions, where PLVAP is expressed also in the BBB and BRB leading to barrier disruption, such as brain ischemia, cancer, and diabetic retinopathy (Carson-Walter et al. 2005; Hofman et al. 2001; Leenstra et al. 1993; Schlingemann et al. 1999; Shue et al. 2008).