Table 4 Stages of response to damage in different cell types
Cell type | Stage 0—Normal morphology | Stage 1—Slight or moderate response | Stage 2—Severe response | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cones |
| • Straight OS • Uniform width between the IS and the soma • Axon width is half the width of the soma/IS • Small flat pedicles |
| • Mild thinning of axon • Axon at HFL level is swollen |
| • Shorter OS • Voids in IS/OS or disorganization • Axon thinned at HFL level or/and pedicles swollen |
Müller cells |
| • Honeycomb-like pattern defined • Stable ELM |
| • Honeycomb-like pattern is perceived but has disorganized areas • Isolated alterations of the ELM • Columns with greater staining |
| • Honeycomb-like pattern disorganized: structure of nuclei photoreceptor is not perceived • Frequent disruptions of ELM • Areas with higher staining |
Microglia |
| • Resting microglia • Long ramification • Area occupied by the microglia > 2% of the retinal section |
| • Various morphologies: resting microglia, ameboid-shape or hypertrophic cells are observed • Retraction of ramifications • Area occupied by the microglia 1.3%–2% of the retinal section |
| • Ameboid-shape, phagocytic or hypertrophied cells • Retracted branches • Mainly located in retinal vessels • Area occupied by the microglia < 1.3% of the retinal section |
