Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Assessment of Vascular Regeneration in the CNS Using the Mouse Retina
Published on: June 23, 2014
Hematopoietic Cells Influence Vascular Development in the Retina
Bright Asare-Bediako1,2, Yvonne Adu-Agyeiwaah1,2, Antonio Abad3,4,5
1Vision Science Graduate Program, School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
Hematopoietic cells, including microglia and monocytes, are vital for developing retinal vasculature. Their presence from birth influences blood vessel formation and retinal health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hematopoietic cells are crucial in adult retinal health and disease.
- Their role in retinal development and the phenotype of recruited cells remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal changes and phenotype of hematopoietic cells during retinal development.
- To understand the role of hematopoietic cells in retinal vasculogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the hematopoietic cell-specific protein Vav1 for tracking.
- Employed flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to analyze cell populations and localization.
- Studied the effects of Vav1 loss and oxygen-induced retinopathy on retinal development.
Main Results:
- Hematopoietic cells, including microglia, monocytes, and myeloid angiogenic cells (MACs), are present in the retina from postnatal day 0 (P0).
- These cells localize to the inner retina before vascularization, forming networks associated with developing vasculature.
- Loss of Vav1 resulted in reduced vessel density and increased astrocyte inflammation.
- Hematopoietic cells closely associated with vasculature during oxygen-induced retinopathy, aiding neovascularization.
Conclusions:
- Hematopoietic cells play a significant, underappreciated role in retinal vasculogenesis and the formation of a healthy retina.
- These cells are integral to the development and maintenance of retinal vasculature throughout life.
More Related Videos
09:12Author Spotlight: Studying hiPSC-Derived Endothelial Cells Cultured Under Fluidic-Mediated Mechanical Stimulation
Published on: July 28, 2023
12:28Quantification of Vascular Parameters in Whole Mount Retinas of Mice with Non-Proliferative and Proliferative Retinopathies
Published on: March 12, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Hematopoiesis
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Overview of Hematopoiesis
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...