Cytoarchitecture of choroidal capillary endothelial cells

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe the cytoarchitecture of the choroidal capillary endothelial cells, especially as it relates to cellular processes that protrude through the basal lamina into Bruch's membrane (BM). METHODS: Human donor eyes and monkey and hamster eyes were examined by transmission electron microscopy and freeze-fracture replication. The number of endothelial cell processes and the characteristics of the processes and surrounding structures were determined in the maculae of human eyes and correlated with age-related changes in neighboring structures. RESULTS: Endothelial cell processes were observed in eyes of all species examined and at all ages. They typically occurred at sites of focal..