MECHANISMS IN RETINAL VASCULOGENESIS - AN ANALYSIS OF THE SPATIAL BRANCHING SITE CORRELATION

Starting from fractal dimension calculations of retinal vessel pattern s, different growth models and related mechanisms have been suggested to simulate retinal vasculogenesis. A comprehensive view of this topic does not exist. In order to elucidate this question the spatial corre lation of the vessel branching sites of the embryonic vessel pattern h as been studied. During development of the retinal vasculature within the nerve fiber layer a modification of the branching characteristics can be observed. This result supports theories which suggest a close r elation between the vessel propagation and the structure and surface c haracteristics of the invading vascular cells and the retinal tissue. Arterio-venous differentiation, however, may be dominated by diffusion processes.