Investigation of heterocellular features of the mouse retinal neurovascular unit by 3D electron microscopy.

ABSTRACT: The retina has a complex structure with a diverse collection of component cells that work together to facilitate vision. The retinal capillaries supplying the nutritional requirements to the inner retina have an intricate system of neural, glial and vascular elements that interconnect to form the neurovascular unit (NVU). The retina has no autonomic nervous system and so relies on the NVU as an interdependent, physical and functional unit to alter blood flow appropriately to changes in the physiological environment. The importance of this is demonstrated by alterations in NVU function being apparent in the blinding disease diabetic retinopathy and other diseases of the retina. It is, therefore, imperative to understand the anatomy of the components of the NVU that underlie its functioning

SUBMITTER: Albargothy MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10335381 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature