title: Retinal microvessel extracellular matrix: an immunofluorescent study.
abstract: The vasculature of the retina functions within a sheath of extracellular matrix (ECM). Unfortunately, little is known about the biochemical composition of this matrix. Abnormalities in the ECM of the retinal microvasculature are important in diabetic retinopathy as well as vasculopathies associated with connective tissue disorders. The ECM of unfixed frozen human retinal blood vessels was examined by indirect immunofluorescence using antibodies raised against collagen types I, II, III, IV, and V as well as the structural glycoproteins laminin and fibronectin. Antisera against collagen types I and IV as well as laminin and fibronectin stained a broad spectrum of retinal vessels, from large thick-walled vessels down to microvessels less than 10 micron in diameter. In contrast, antibodies against types III and V collagen were seen to stain primarily the walls of the larger vessels. Antibodies against type II collagen did not react with retinal vessels. Preincubation with the appropriate antigen or preimmune serum eliminated staining of the vessels by the antisera.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000032:analysis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002196:Capillaries / Q000032:analysis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000032:analysis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007797:Laminin / Q000032:analysis; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000032:analysis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000032:analysis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins; D007797:Laminin; D003094:Collagen