Abstract

Retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) constitute a simple layer of cuboidal cells that are strategically situated behind the photoreceptor (PR) cells. The inconspicuousness of this monolayer contrasts sharply with its importance [1]. The relationship between the RPE and PR cells is crucial to sight; this is evident from basic and clinical studies demonstrating that primary dysfunctioning of the RPE can result in visual cell death and blindness. RPE cells carry out many functions including the conversion and storage of retinoid, the phagocytosis of shed PR outer segment membrane, the absorption of scattered light, ion and fluid transport and RPE-PR apposition. The magnitude of the demands imposed on this single layer of cells in order to execute these tasks, will become apparent to the reader of this review as will the number of clinical disorders that take origin from these cells.

Keywords: Retinal pigment epithelium, visual cycle, phagocytosis, melanin, retinal degeneration, transport, lipofuscin, retinoid, blood-retinal barrier, Mutations, macular colobomata, melanosomes, melanocytes, autofluorescence, melanolipofuscin, homeostasis, hephaestin, degeneration, hydrolysis, albinism, autosomal recessive disorders, Bruch's membrane, Sorby's fundus dystrophy, neovascularization, angiogenesis, anti-VEGF agents, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, pegaptanib, phototransduction, Aquaporin, hyperpolarization, amplification, oscillation, electrical oculogram, EOG, depolarization, Best vitelliform, macular degeneration, bestrophin, bestrophinopathy, vitreoretinochoroidopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, rhodopsin, chromophore, myopia, isomerohydrolysis, retinal dystrophy, Leber congenital amaurosis, hyperopia, fundus albipunctatus, retinitis punctata albescens, glutathione reductase, macrophages, scavenger receptor, TAM family, poikylotherms, Immunocytochemical techniques, rod-cone dystrophy, bisretinoids, recessive Stargardt macular degeneration