Linked Life Data

11520109

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/11520109

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
3
pubmed:dateCreated
2001-8-24
pubmed:abstractText
We investigated the structural organization of the choroid especially with regard to the presence of extravascular smooth muscle (EVSM) cells in albino rabbits. The eyes were fixed by intracardiac perfusion and processed for light, confocal, and electron microscopy. An unlabeled monoclonal antibody against alpha-actin of smooth muscle and a horseradish-peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody were used for immunodetection of smooth muscle actin by light microscopy. For confocal microscopy, whole mount choroids were immunostained with a fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated (FITC) antibody. Our investigations revealed that the choroidal vessels are enveloped by bundles of EVSM. In contrast to the circular orientation of the smooth muscle cells of the tunica media of the choroidal vessels, the cells of the EVSM system were oriented longitudinally along the external surface of the vessel wall. The EVSM cells were strongly immunopositive for smooth muscle alpha-actin and exhibited a green fluorescence of the FITC-labeled anti-alpha-actin antibody. Individual cells were elongated and spindle-shaped, had the usual ultrastructural features of smooth muscle cells and, in places, were organized as 20 layers. EVSM cells were present throughout the thickness of the choroid, but not between the fenestrated endothelial lining of the choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane, and extended from the optic nerve to the ciliary body where they merged with the ciliary muscles. Based on the three dimensional organization, immunoreactivity, and cellular and subcellular features of the EVSM system as well as information in the literature, we hypothesize that, functionally, this system, in conjunction with the choroidal vasculature, contributes to the myogenic control of choroidal blood flow and tissue volume, and also affects the intraocular pressure as well as the refractive and accommodative state of the eye.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Sep
pubmed:issn
0014-4835
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
73
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
345-53
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2001
pubmed:articleTitle
An extensive system of extravascular smooth muscle cells exists in the choroid of the rabbit eye.
pubmed:affiliation
Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, USP, Brazil.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't