Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Author Spotlight: Understanding the Ultrastructural Basis of Retinal Synaptic Connectivity and Neurotransmitter Localization in Mice
Published on: July 12, 2024
Structure and function of the interphotoreceptor matrix surrounding retinal photoreceptor cells
Makoto Ishikawa1, Yu Sawada1, Takeshi Yoshitomi1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan.
Abstract:
The interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) is a highly organized structure with interconnected domains surrounding cone and rod photoreceptor cells and extends throughout the subretinal space. Based on known roles of the extracellular matrix in other tissues, the IPM is thought to have several prominent functions including serving as a receptor for growth factors, regulating retinoid transport, participating in cytoskeletal organization in surrounding cells, and regulation of oxygen and nutrient transport. In addition, a number of studies suggest that the IPM also may play a significant role in the etiology of retinal degenerative disorders. In this review, we describe the present knowledge concerning the structure and function of the IPM under physiological and pathological conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Eyeball
The Retina
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Vision
The Antenna Complex
Photosystems
Functioning of Photosystems
Photosystems contain many pigment molecules, such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, arranged in a particular organization across two domains — the antenna complex and the reaction center. The main aim of the pigment...

