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Development of Retinal Layers in Prenatal Human Retina
1Departments of Ophthalmology and Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 28, 2015
Summary
The inner plexiform layer (IPL) develops early in fetal development, reaching the retinal edge by midgestation. The outer plexiform layer (OPL) develops later, reaching the edge by late gestation, indicating critical windows for potential in utero developmental disruptions.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Ophthalmology
- Human embryology
Background:
- Retinal layer development is crucial for visual function.
- Understanding the timing of retinal layer formation can identify critical periods for prenatal insults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the developmental timeline of human retinal layers.
- To identify specific gestational windows where pathological events could impact retinal development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human fetal eye histology from 8 weeks to 10 weeks postnatally.
- Measurement of retinal length and the location/extent of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and outer plexiform layer (OPL).
Main Results:
- Retinal length significantly increases from 8 weeks gestation to postnatal life.
- The IPL forms early, reaching peripheral edges by 18-21 weeks gestation.
- The OPL develops more slowly, reaching peripheral edges by 30 weeks gestation, with both layers forming before vascularization.
Conclusions:
- The IPL and OPL have distinct developmental timelines in the human fetal retina.
- Disruptions before 20 weeks gestation may affect central IPL development, while later events impact peripheral OPL development.
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