Genetic variation in retinal vascular patterning predicts variation in pial collateral extent and stroke severity.

ABSTRACT: The presence of a native collateral circulation in tissues lessens injury in occlusive vascular diseases. However, differences in genetic background cause wide variation in collateral number and diameter in mice, resulting in large variation in protection. Indirect estimates of collateral perfusion suggest that wide variation also exists in humans. Unfortunately, methods used to obtain these estimates are invasive and not widely available. We sought to determine whether differences in genetic background in mice result in variation in branch patterning of the retinal arterial circulation, and whether these differences predict strain-dependent differences in pial collateral extent and severity of ischemic stroke. Retinal patterning metrics, collateral extent, and infarct volume were obtained

SUBMITTER: Prabhakar P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4422395 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature