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[Morphology of live retinal pigment epithelial cells]
1Department of Ophthalmology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
Abstract:
We attempted to observe, by means of fluorescein angiography, the retinal pigment epithelial cells in pigmented rabbits. Fluorescein angiography was performed in 31 pigmented rabbits, after intravenous injection of 14mg/kg fluorescein sodium. The angiograms were evaluated as prints and as negative film under a light microscope. Animals were sacrificed and submitted to studies by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescein light microscopy. On fluorescein angiograms, we observed mosaic pattern which consisted of numerous polygonal spots overlying choroidal vasculature. Each polygonal spot showed central hypofluorescent area surrounded by hyperfluorescent rim. They were seen in all the eyes except 4 lightly pigmented eyes. They seemed to correspond, in size, to each retinal pigment epithelial cell. This pattern appeared from the early choroidal phase on, to become more distinct 5 to 15 minutes after dye injection. A hexagonal pattern was regularly seen away from the medullary rays by 3 or more disc diameters. The pattern became larger in the periphery than in the posterior pole. These angiographic findings closely matched those of retinal pigment epithelial cells as seen by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescein light microscopy in sizes and shapes. The findings indicate that it is possible to identify retinal pigment epithelial cells in pigmented rabbits by conventional fluorescein angiography.
Insights
This study demonstrates that fluorescein angiography can visualize retinal pigment epithelial cells in rabbits. The technique reveals a distinct mosaic pattern corresponding to these cells, aiding in their identification.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Retinal pigment epithelial cells are crucial for retinal health and function.
- Observing these cells in vivo is challenging, especially in animal models.
- Fluorescein angiography is a widely used imaging technique in ophthalmology.
Purpose:
- To investigate the feasibility of visualizing retinal pigment epithelial cells using fluorescein angiography in pigmented rabbits.
- To characterize the angiographic appearance of these cells.
- To correlate fluorescein angiographic findings with microscopic observations.
Summary:
- Fluorescein angiography was performed on 31 pigmented rabbits after fluorescein sodium injection.
- A distinct mosaic pattern of polygonal spots, representing retinal pigment epithelial cells, was observed.
- This pattern showed a central hypofluorescent area and a hyperfluorescent rim, consistent with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy findings.
Impact:
- Establishes fluorescein angiography as a viable method for identifying retinal pigment epithelial cells in vivo in rabbits.
- Provides a non-invasive imaging approach for studying these cells and potential pathologies.
- Offers insights into the morphology and distribution of retinal pigment epithelial cells in a preclinical model.