THE INTERPHOTORECEPTOR MATRIX MEDIATES PRIMATE RETINAL ADHESION

Objective: To assess the participation of cone matrix sheaths, which a re domains of the cone photoreceptor-associated interphotoreceptor mat rix that extend from the neural retina to the surface of the retinal p igment epithelium (RPE), in retinal adhesion. Methods: Monkey and huma n retinas were partially peeled from the RPE, and the tissues were exa mined by lectin histochemistry to determine the effects of physical se paration on the cone matrix sheath. Results: A firm attachment of cone matrix sheaths to both the RPE and the neural retina that was strong enough to cause detachment of sheets of RPE cells from Bruch's membran e or tearing of the sheaths as a result of retinal peeling was observe d. Cone matrix sheaths can stretch considerably and contract following tearing. Their integrity was compromised rapidly after the first post mortem minute. Conclusion: Cone matrix sheath glycoconjugates are like ly to play a major role in mediating retinal adhesion by forming a mol ecular bridge betwen the neural retina and the RPE.