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Does unidirectional vesicular transport occur in retinal vessels?
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 1, 1986
Summary
This study suggests retinal blood vessel caveolae are static, not involved in transport. Horseradish peroxidase entry indicates junctional incompetence, not vesicular transport, across the blood retinal barrier.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Caveolae are 80 nm plasmalemmal structures abundant in retinal blood vessel endothelium.
- Their role in vesicular transport across the blood retinal barrier is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the hypothesis that caveolae mediate unidirectional vesicular transport.
- To investigate the mechanism of substance entry into retinal vasculature.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of horseradish peroxidase to the vitreous body.
- Observation of substance entry into the intravascular compartment.
Main Results:
- Horseradish peroxidase entered the intravascular compartment, suggesting junctional incompetence post-enucleation.
- Caveolae appear to be static structures facilitating solute and ion transport.
Conclusions:
- Retinal blood vessel caveolae likely do not participate in unidirectional vesicular transport.
- Caveolae may function statically to regulate small solute and ion passage across the blood retinal barrier.