Non‐vascular smooth muscle cells in the human choroid: distribution, development and further characterization

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00460.x
• Publication Date: 2005-09-28T09:53:22Z
• Authors: Christian Albrech...
• Keywords: Choroid; Sclera; Ciliary arteries; Calponin; Ciliary muscle

To characterize further non-vascular smooth muscle cells (NVSMC) in the choroid of human eye, extensive morphological studies were performed including a three-dimensional distribution NVSMC adult eye and their appearance during development. Whole mounts sections through sclera eyes 42 donors (between 13th week gestation 89 years age) stained with antibodies against actin other markers for cells. On basis localization, three groups could be distinguished eyes: (a) semicircular arrangement suprachoroid inner sclera, around entry posterior ciliary arteries nerves; (b) parallel to vessels segment between point exit vortex veins; (c) dense plaque-like suprachoroid, overlying foveal region. The last these showed most pronounced interindividual differences. During development, first observed at 20th belonged group b. A complete network was 6-year-old donor eye. All positive smoothelin, caldesmon calponin all localizations. show distinct that might reflect different aspects function suprachoroid. histochemically characterized as truly contractile.