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Lookup NU author(s): Ross LawsORCiD, Professor David SteelORCiD
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PURPOSE: To investigate the ultrastructure of inner limiting membrane (ILM) pores in whole-retina specimens, and to compare with surgically excised specimens from eyes with vitreo-maculopathies. METHODS: Ultrastructural analysis included 1) three-dimensional serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (3D SBF-SEM) of inner retinal layers from macular area of two human donor eyes and 2) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of ILM specimens obtained from 25 eyes with tractional vitreo-maculopathies that tested positive for the presence of ILM pores. RESULTS: SBF-SEM analysis revealed circumscribed areas of ILM thinning and multiple retinal cell processes protruding into the ILM with or without ILM breakthrough. In the peri-pore regions, the ILM was thin and bulged toward the vitreous. Müller cells had finger-like extensions through the ILM forming small individual breakthrough points. Surgically removed ILM specimens also showed regions with ILM thinning and protruding retinal cell fragments in the ILM but with no preexisting ILM breakthroughs. Epiretinal cells were found on the vitreal side of the ILM pore regions. CONCLUSION: There is evidence that ILM pores are newly formed by retinal Müller cells, growing their processes through the ILM toward its vitreal side in health and disease. These pore regions may contribute to the formation of epiretinal membranes.
Author(s): Vogt D, Laws R, Schumann RG, Zaytseva Y, Wolf A, Steel DH
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Retina
Year: 2026
Volume: 46
Issue: 2
Pages: 390-397
Print publication date: 01/02/2026
Acceptance date: 02/04/2018
ISSN (print): 0275-004X
ISSN (electronic): 1539-2864
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
URL: https://doi.org/10.1097/IAE.0000000000004671
DOI: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004671
PubMed id: 40953363
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