BookAlexa Karina Klettner, Stefan Dithmar, editors.
Contents:
Intro
Preface
Contents
About the Editors
Part I: Physiological RPE Function
1: RPE Histopathology and Morphometry
Introduction
Normal Histology
Cell Morphometry
Pleomorphism, Polymegathism
Spatial Distribution, Topography
Pathology
Age-Related Changes
Degenerations
Biometry-Related Changes
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Retinal Dystrophies
Proliferative Retinopathies
Mitochondrial Diseases
RPE Tumors
References
2: RPE Polarity and Barrier Function
Introduction The Blood-Retinal Barrier (BRB) Is a Division of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
Properties of a Blood-Tissue Barrier
Epithelial Contributions to the Blood Retinal Barrier (BRB)
Differentiation vs Maturation In Vivo and in Culture
What Is an RPE Cell?
Maturation of RPE Barrier Function in Chick Embryos and Small Mammals
Maturation of RPE Barrier Function in Humans
The Structure of Tight Junctions and Pathways for Solutes to Traverse Them
Protein Composition
Claudins Are Major Determinants for the Selectivity and Permeability of Tight Junctions Claudins Regulate Additional Pathways of Barrier Function Through Effects on Gene Expression
Analysis of Paracellular Barrier Function
Permeation of Polymeric Solutes
Electrophysiological Assays
Analysis of RPE Tight Junctions by Multiple Assays
The Interplay of Tight Junctions and Membrane Transporters
Retinal Pathology and RPE
Conclusions
References
3: RPE Phagocytosis
Introduction
Experimental Approaches to Quantify the Phagocytic Function of the RPE
Molecular Mechanisms of RPE Phagocytosis
Recognition and Binding of POS by RPE Cells Cell Surface Receptors and RPE Signaling Pathways Mediating POS Internalization
Processing and Degradation of Phagocytosed POS by RPE Cells
Defects in POS Clearance Phagocytosis by RPE Cells and Human Retinal Disease
Outlook
References
4: Ion Channels of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Introduction
Ionic Mechanisms of RPE Function
Epithelial Transport
Ion Channels That Contribute to Transepithelial Ion Transport by the RPE
K+ Buffering in the Subretinal Space
Ion Channels Contributing to the Control of Subretinal K+ Homeostasis Ca2+-Signaling to Regulate RPE Functions
Secretion
Epithelial Transport
Phagocytosis
Summary
References
5: RPE and the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
RPE Derived VEGF Function in the Healthy Retina
Development
Adult Retina
RPE Derived VEGF in the Diseased Retina
Regulation of VEGF in the RPE
Constitutive VEGF
Hypoxia
Oxidative Stress and Hyperglycemia
Inflammation
Hyperthermia
Conclusion
References
6: The RPE Cell and the Immune System
Introduction
RPE Cell: Role in Ocular Innate Immunity