[Histological changes in the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane in senescence accelerated mouse]

Senescence associated changes of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane were investigated in senescence accelerated mouse (SAM), which is an aging model mouse, by light and electron microscopy. The most characteristic changes in RPE were swelling of basal infoldings, extension of intercellular space and accumulation of lipofuscin granules. In Bruch's membrane, discontinuation of elastic layer and abnormal increase of fine fibrils in the outer collagenous layer were observed. The aging changes in SAM were severer in the posterior retina than in the peripheral one. Moreover, these changes were seen younger age than in those of the normal BALB/c mouse.